The table football game with players on sliding poles, also known as “fussball”, has been around for years. But where once it was a status symbol – announcing ownership of a machine could buy friends in the pubs of the 1980s – the kudos associated with them has rather worn away over the years.

While still great fun to play and more social than computer games, it has become far less cool than it once was. Its often cost-driven appearance and kitsch appeal no longer fit with the landscape of modern interiors.

But this looks set to change with a new version of this age-old game. GRO Design and Tim Model Makers decided to update the popular indoor sport and match its design with the elegance of an uptown living room. And this time they are adding another twist by selling it under the guise of a table called “11: The Beautiful Game.”

Graham Hinde, partner at GRO Design says: “We were interested in creating atmosphere through form, colour, material and subtle use of light, bringing a heightened sense of drama and excitement to the game.

“The table’s flowing lines express the dynamic aspect of football, while reducing unnecessary detail to allow the raw energy of the game to come to the fore.”

Instead of a green pitch and plastic players, this version is made with silver figures on a white board. There is also extra lighting to enhance the play.

Exhibited during Milan Design Week, only one functioning model of the series has been built, so it might be a while before you can add one to the rest of your soccer memorabilia. But at least this piece is far more Premiership than Conference.