Bernie Ecclestone with Gerhard Gribkowsky during the 2005 Turkish GP weekendGerman prosecutors have charged Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone with bribery, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports in its Wednesday edition.
Earlier, the newspaper said the officials had completed their long investigation into the Formula 1 chief executive’s role in the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.
“Munich has filed charges against Bernie Ecclestone,” Wednesday’s article declared, adding that one of the charges is the “serious” offense of bribing a public official.
The case will surround the 82-year-old’s confirmed payment of $44 million to jailed former Formula 1 banker Gribkowsky, surrounding the sale of the sport to CVC some years ago.
“The bribery allegations could cost Ecclestone his job as Formula 1 boss,” said the Suddeutsche Zeitung, adding that the district court will now decide whether or not it hears the case.
If it does, a trial is tipped to take place this year. Ecclestone claims Gribkowsky blackmailed him.