There has been significant controversy surrounding Egypt's Olympic delegation due to equestrian rider Nayel Nassar, the son-in-law of American billionaire Bill Gates, traveling with ten accompanying staff for the equestrian show jumping event in Paris. Egyptian officials were bombarded with questions regarding the waste of public funds, prompting the Egyptian Equestrian Federation to respond that Nassar traveled with all his support team at their own expense.
Social media circulated an official letter revealing that ten members of the support team, including Nassar's wife, accompanied him to Paris, leading to substantial criticism, especially since Egypt is competing with only one rider in the games.
The Egyptian Equestrian Federation selected Nassar to represent his country in the Olympics as he holds the highest world ranking for an Egyptian rider. The federation stated that Nassar, who resides in the United States, and all his supporting team members, including a veterinarian and assistants, would travel directly to Paris under their personal arrangements and at their own cost.
The federation added in a statement, "The names of these individuals were included in the delegation solely for the purpose of issuing entry permits for the competition venues and stables, and to perform their duties to support the rider, not with the aim of receiving financial support from the Egyptian state."
It is noteworthy that Nassar (33 years old) is married to Jennifer, the daughter of American businessman Bill Gates, and they have one child.
