Founded in 1947, iconic Portuguese sports publisher A Bola was acquired by Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) in July 2023 and subsequently transformed into a digital-first sports media publisher. With the successful conclusion of the initial stage, the outlet will move from its historic address to a new functional office with state-of-the-art studio technology and an open, collaborative space.

Ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, where Portugal is a strong contender for the title after winning the championship in 2016, A Bola, specifically with its new video setup,  will be well-positioned to deliver the digital-first reporting and innovative storytelling that sports enthusiasts in Portugal cherish. 

Managing Director Felipe Gomes has been crucial in overseeing the strategic repositioning of A Bola and the digital growth in online traffic since the acquisition. While Gomes will continue to support the brand as a consultant, Ricardo Peres will step up from his current role as Chief Operating Officer to interim Managing Director of A Bola, effective immediately. 

Robin Lingg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RSMG: “The Board of Directors of RSMG thanks Felipe Gomes for his services during this transition period and for his key contributions to the strategic direction of the brand. We congratulate Ricardo Peres for his promotion, based on his  track record as an operational leader since his arrival last summer.”

Peres joined the A Bola transition team in July 2023 as Director, drawing on 30 years of experience in change management at Heineken and The Navigator Group. 

Launched in 2022, Ringier Sports Media Group operates eight sports media brands in 8 European countries, reaching >21m  fans per month. With 400+ employees, RSMG strategically invests in sports media to become a leading European sports media company. Its brands include Sportal.bg, GSP.ro, sportal.rs, sportal.hu, sportal.sk, sportal.gr, A Bola, Sportnieuws.nl, the Sportal365 CMS and a strategic investment in LiveScore Group.

---