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