The Egyptian Misr Party founded by Islamic preacher, Sheikh Amr Khaled, is leveraging the support of sports stars to aid its popularity before the Parliamentary elections. The party is trying to attract a large number of sports celebrities to ensure that it wins, confirmed the Secretary General of the Party Khalid Abdul Aziz. "The party is currently preparing its electoral lists and choosing its candidates," said Abdul Aziz. "The party is trying to attract sports players and stars to its lists for example the prominent football player Ahmed Hassan, and Ahli’s former player Zakaria Nassef.  The list also includes the Vice President of the Egyptian football Association and former president of Tersana club, Hassan Farid, Al-Ahli board member Rania Alwani, Nadir Alsaid and the former judo champion Muhammad Ali Rashwan and judo champion Hicham Misbah." He explained that "these nominations come under the party’s futuristic vision for its important and influential role in the lives of people." Footballer Ahmed Hassan said that "the most important reason for his candidacy for parliament through the Misr party is giving Egyptian sports their rightful place as a key element in Egyptian life." Hassan added that "despite the importance of sports in society, they do not get enough attention in Parliament."