Here are the top sports stories and upcoming coverage plans for Reuters text service as of 2:00 p.m. GMT/ 9:00 a.m. ET. For a full schedule of news and events, go to our editorial calendar on Reuters Connect.

TOP STORIES

SOCCER-FRANCE/GASSET

Former Ivory Coast coach Gasset dies

Veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset, who was fired at the last Africa Cup of Nations by Ivory Coast before they went on to win the trophy, has died aged 72, his former French club Montpellier announced on Friday.

SOCCER-INDIA/

City Football Group exits Mumbai City amid Indian league uncertainty

The City Football Group $(CFG)$ has divested its stake in Mumbai City amid uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL), the team announced on Friday.

CRICKET-ASHES/

Former players slam 'unfair' MCG pitch as wickets tumble in fourth Ashes test

As 20 wickets fell on the first day of the fourth Ashes test on Friday, the carnage prompted sharp criticism from former England cricketers who questioned whether the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground offered a fair contest.

UPCOMING SPORTS

SOCCER

SOCCER-NATIONS-EGY-ZAF/

Africa Cup of Nations - Egypt v South Africa

Egypt and South Africa tussle in Agadir for the leadership of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco

26 Dec 10:00 ET / 15:00 GMT

SOCCER-NATIONS-ZMB-COM/

Africa Cup of Nations - Zambia v Comoros

Comoros and Zambia both go in search for a first win in Group A at the the Africa Cup of Nations when they clash at Casablanca's Stade Mohamed V.

26 Dec 12:30 ET / 17:30 GMT

SOCCER-ENGLAND-MUN-NEW/ (PIX)

England - English Premier League - Manchester United v Newcastle United

Manchester United play Newcastle United in the English Premier League at Old Trafford in Manchester

26 Dec 15:00 ET / 20:00 GMT

SOCCER-NATIONS-MAR-MLI/ (PIX)

Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco v Mali

Hosts Morocco look got make it 20 wins in a row when they take on Mali in an Africa Cup of Nations Group A fixture in Rabat.

26 Dec 15:00 ET / 20:00 GMT

SOCCER-ENGLAND-NFO-MCI/ (PIX)

England - English Premier League - Nottingham Forest v Manchester City

Nottingham Forest play Manchester City in the English Premier League at The City Ground in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

27 Dec 07:30 ET / 12:30 GMT

SOCCER-NATIONS-BEN-BWA/

Africa Cup of Nations - Benin v Botswana

After both losing their opening games at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, this Group D clash at the Stade Annex Complex Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah is vital for both Benin and Botswana to secure points..

27 Dec 07:30 ET / 12:30 GMT

CRICKET

CRICKET-ASHES/ (PIX)

The Ashes - Australia v England, fourth test

Day two of the fourth Ashes test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

27 Dec 18:30 ET / 23:30 GMT

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

BASKETBALL-NBA-ATL-MIA/ (PIX)

NBA - Atlanta Hawks v Miami Heat

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

27 Dec 19:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-ORL-CHA/ (PIX)

NBA - Orlando Magic v Charlotte Hornets

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

27 Dec 19:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-IND-BOS/ (PIX)

NBA - Indiana Pacers v Boston Celtics

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

27 Dec 19:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-WAS-TOR/ (PIX)

NBA - Washington Wizards v Toronto Raptors

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Capital One Arena, Washington, District of Columbia

27 Dec 19:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-CHI-PHI/ (PIX)

NBA - Chicago Bulls v Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - United Center, Chicago, Illinois

27 Dec 19:30 ET / 00:30 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-MEM-MIL/ (PIX)

NBA - Memphis Grizzlies v Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

27 Dec 20:00 ET / 01:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-NOP-PHX/ (PIX)

NBA - New Orleans Pelicans v Phoenix Suns

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

27 Dec 20:00 ET / 01:00 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-UTA-DET/ (PIX)

NBA - Utah Jazz v Detroit Pistons

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

27 Dec 21:30 ET / 02:30 GMT

BASKETBALL-NBA-POR-LAC/ (PIX)

NBA - Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Clippers

2025-26 NBA Season (Regular Season) - Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, Oregon

27 Dec 22:00 ET / 03:00 GMT

TENNIS

TENNIS-BATTLE/ (PIX) $(TV)$

Battle of the Sexes' - Press conference

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka hold a press conference in Dubai a day ahead of playing each other in a modern day renewal of the 'Battle of the Sexes'.

27 Dec