The future of football between entertainment and virtual

The world of football is undergoing a radical transformation, affecting both the sporting and spectator aspects, creating new opportunities for those who want to imagine a different future. In particular, the arrival of Web 3.0, the new social and streaming platforms, has democratised match watching and engagement among younger people who follow football for both its passionate, authentic and at the same time experiential and modern aspects. While in some respects, from ticket prices to increasingly remote and anonymous properties, football is becoming more exclusive and closer to high finance, for others this innovation has opened the door to a new generation of fans who know how to use certain tools.

One of the most interesting among them, due to the possibilities it offers and its ability to capture the sports world, is undoubtedly Socios, a name that even those less familiar with blockchain and Web 3.0 have come to know, as it is the Serie A sponsor of Napoli, Inter, Juventus, Milan, Roma, Udinese and Bologna, as well as the Italian national team. But many other top European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal have also decided to join the platform, which aims to combine gamification with stadium cheering. An ever-growing number of clubs can now speak directly to their fans and they can get first-hand insight into some of their favourite teams' decisions.

We were guests of Socios at the Stadio Olimpico for the AS Roma vs Juventus match to join other technology and sports fans to test out the hospitality that can be redeemed through fan tokens. From the SkyBox in the capital's stadium, near where Walter Sabatini supposedly watched the games while consuming pack after pack of cigarettes, we could watch the tactical duel between Mourinho and Allegri as if the pitch were a giant chessboard of green grass. Perhaps not the most exciting game of the season - although the home crowd appreciated Mancini's goal that sealed victory over a historic rival. - But also one that gave us the opportunity to explore the potential of Socios, especially by talking to our fellow travellers. From the passionate fan to the technology fanatic, from the professional spectator to the goal scorer, everyone shared a nuance of the possibilities that fan tokens offer.

They are all discovering a largely unexplored world where the fan experience is virtualised before it becomes extremely real and tangible. Indeed, it is difficult to fully understand the two-pronged operation of this tool, which uses blockchain technology developed by Chiliz to ensure the secure buying and selling of fan tokens, which can then either be redeemed for unique experiences or used as virtual currency like any other cryptocurrency. OK fan tokens are not cryptocurrencies, but why add complexity to a system that is not immediately apparent to the fan anyway. In fact, these digital coins can not only be purchased through the platform, but also redeemed through quizzes, challenges and other activities on the Socios platform. Gamification that proposes a new level of involvement in the world of sport, not only in terms of the competition itself.

So while stadiums are being transformed, or in Italy's case should be transformed, into multifunctional centres capable of living beyond the game itself, guaranteeing a range of services and access during the game also for those who want to experience their favourite team in 360 degrees. But not only that, one of the most interesting ways to use the Socios platform is reserved for those who are not only passionate fans of a single team, but of the sports experience par excellence. Thank you to the ever-increasing number of agreements with football clubs, international racetracks and world-famous tournaments, the diligent use of the platform also allows you to attend events all over the world, like true sports tourists. All with the best possible hospitality, of course.

The world of football is a strange one, with balances invisible to the eye, just waiting for the wind to shift to reveal their fragility. And many innovations take time to establish themselves, especially in an environment that can sometimes be as exclusive as European football. A reality capable of unhinging certain fossilised dynamics could drive the desirable change that is so often called for but never implemented. At the same time, a strong bond must be maintained with the fan base that makes this game special and compensates them for their years of loyalty. This is a complex balance that new players like Socios must learn to deal with, especially if they want to fit into this space between the digital and the real, where one helps the other push its boundaries.