Egypt's controversial ex-Zamalek head Mortada Mansour to form political party

Egypt's controversial former Al-Zamalek club chairman Mortada Mansour declared on Wednesday that he will establish a political party, named Al-Ikhlas (meaning, "loyalty").

Local news outlets reported that during a press conference at his office in Cairo, Mansour said that his future party will "confront any infiltration attempts by affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood," designated an illegal group in Egypt since 2014. 

The outspoken former judge and lawmaker said that the Ikhlas party "will involve all social segments, sexes, age groups and religions," without elaborating on the party's political affiliation.



Mansour was recently sacked from the chairmanship of Zamalek after being found guilty of a misdemeanour and imprisoned accordingly.

However, he remained as head of the club in an unofficial capacity after he was released from prison until an administrative court order was passed earlier last month to confirm the official decision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

In February of this year, an Egyptian court upheld a one-month jail sentence and a one-year suspended sentence against Mansour over the public defamation of Al-Ahly club president and ex-football legend Mahmoud El-Kahteeb.

It remains unclear whether Mansour is legally illegible to establish a party after he had served time.

Last week, another Egyptian court sentenced Mansour to three months in a similar case for slandering, again, his long-time rival Khateeb.

Mansour was also ordered to pay 10,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately US$320) to suspend the verdict.

Mansour is known for his quick temper and vocal criticism of various aspects of Egyptian society and prominent public figures and celebrities.

Zamalek is Egypt's second most important club, just behind its long-time rival Ahly. Last year, the club won its 14th title since the premier league championship was launched in 1948. The club also competes in several other sports besides being a social community that involves thousands of its members.