FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.
A decade into Gianni Infantino’s presidency, FIFA has expanded globally while becoming more polarizing, shaped by growth, controversy and constant change.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
UEFA is facing separate legal battles worth a total of €4.5 billion as Real Madrid and A22, the company behind the European Super League, are suing the governing body in the wake of a court ruling. A22 have also sent a letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, demanding the controversial project be given full approval.
The Dutch professional footballers' union (VVCS) has joined a growing class action lawsuit against FIFA, the KNVB and several national football associations over what it calls an “unfair” transfer system. The legal challenge, spearheaded by the Justice for Players foundation, could impact over 100,000 players across Europe and potentially reshape football’s transfer rules.
Chelsea skipper Reece James has sent a warning to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup as he urged the football’s governing body to rethink kick-off times to protect players from potentially "dangerous" heat conditions. The 25-year-old defender, who lifted the Club World Cup with Chelsea in the United States earlier this year, described the sweltering temperatures during the tournament as "super difficult" and believes that matches played in similar conditions next summer could put players’ health at risk.
Genoa hold the record for the most Serie B titles, winning Italy's second-tier six times. Their most recent Serie B title win came in 1988-89.
How many teams are in the Serie B?
20 teams contest in the Serie B and battle it out for promotion to Serie A. The first-ever season of Serie B was played in 1929-30 and featured 18 teams.
Who has made the most Serie B appearances ever?
Luigi Cagni holds the record for the most appearances in Serie B. The former Italian defender played for Brescia and Sambenedettese between 1970 and 1987, making 485 appearances in Serie B.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Serie B?
Stefan Schwoch, a former Italian striker who was a journeyman, scored 135 Serie B goals with five different clubs to become the all-time top scorer in Italy's second division.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Serie B and how old was he?
Andrea Pierobon is the oldest player to play in the Serie A. The former Italian goalkeeper was 45 years and 307 days when he appeared in his final game ever for Citadella in 2015.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Serie B and how old was he?
Gaetano Renna is the youngest player to ever feature in a Serie B game. Renna was just 14 years and 89 days old when he played for Brindisi in a game against Cosenza in 1948.
Which famous players have played in the Serie B?
Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi, Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Simeone, Diego Milito, Pavel Nedved, Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero, Giorgio Chiellini, and David Trezeguet are among the most famous players to have played in Serie B.
Which famous managers have managed in the Serie B?
Didier Deschamps, Filippo Inzaghi, and Maurizio Sarri are among Serie B's biggest managers of all-time.
What is the biggest stadium in the Serie B?
Bari's Stadio San Nicola, with a capacity of 58,270, is Serie B's biggest stadium.
Who is the most expensive player in the history of the Serie B?
Kevin Bonifazi is Serie B's most expensive signing of all-time. Bonifazi was signed by SPAL from Torino for €11 million ahead of the 2020-21 season.