Formula one: F1 boss denies bribery charges

Ecclestone's counsel dismissed the allegations as ‘inaccurate, misleading and unsubstantiated.

Ecclestone, 83, is accused of paying a German banker tens of millions of dollars to ensure his continued grip on the motor sporting empire he built up virtually single-handedly over four decades. PHOTO: FILE

MUNICH:


Formula One supreme Bernie Ecclestone went on trial in Germany on Thursday, denying charges of bribery that threaten to land the British billionaire in jail.



Ecclestone, 83, is accused of paying a German banker tens of millions of dollars to ensure his continued grip on the motor sporting empire he built up virtually single-handedly over four decades. The mop-topped, diminutive Formula One magnate entered the packed Munich courtroom, saying: “I’m confident, the sun is shining”.


His lawyer Sven Thomas then dismissed the allegations as ‘inaccurate, misleading and unsubstantiated’, saying ‘the alleged bribery did not take place’. He also declared that Ecclestone does not intend to speak for now in the trial.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2014.

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