Future of Football: How VR, AR and the metaverse could change the fan experience beyond recognition

Imagine the scene. Sat in the stands, you are locked deep in debate with your mates about how well your favourite player is doing. There is no chance of an agreement, so you whip out your phone, point it at the pitch, click on his head - and up pop all his stats from the game. In real time.

You can already do exactly that in certain parts of the world and widespread adoption is not far away. That is just the tip of the iceberg heading towards a culture where virtual reality, augmented reality and the metaverse are only going to become more influential in the years and decades to come.

Apple's recent mix of all three through its 'Vision Pro' headset won global headlines when it was announced, but there is far more to this emerging industry than looking like you are wearing oversized swimming goggles.

Exactly how the trio develop within sport is something no-one can confidently predict, but Sky Sports have spoken to some key players working on the future of technology in football to find out how your afternoon in the stands - be that real or virtual - might look in 2043.

Some fans have already had a taste. American football and baseball supporters in the US are well-versed in enjoying added match-day bonuses when they pick up their smartphones.

They can toss virtual items onto the pitch, while watching others do the same, or pass the time during stoppages by watching digital versions of their favourite players dance around their home stadium, as though it is happening right in front of them.

That may sound like child's play... And for the moment, it largely is. But these fans are growing older, and bringing this different way of 'consuming' sport along with them.

Rafts of studies have shown attention spans are rapidly shortening,