Bernie Ecclestone Detained in Portugal with Shotgun for Clay Pigeon Event

Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of Formula 1, was briefly held by Portuguese airport officials after arriving in the country with a shotgun. Ecclestone, 91, confirmed the incident, stating he had intended to use the firearm for a clay pigeon shooting competition.

The shotgun was reportedly discovered during a routine security check. Ecclestone indicated that while he possessed a valid licence for the weapon, it was not correctly stamped for entry into Portugal. He claimed authorities released him after a short period, and he expected the situation to be resolved without further complication.

This incident follows Ecclestone's recent legal troubles in the UK, where he faces a charge of fraud by false representation. This charge, brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, alleges he failed to declare a trust in Singapore with a value exceeding £400 million to the government.