From correspondents in Europe, 12:00 PM IST

Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber is facing a charge of inciting embezzlement.

Weber, who managed the seven-time world champion Schumacher throughout his career and also managed his brother Ralf Schumacher, will face charges in a Koblenz court Sep 29.

In October 2001 Weber authorised a payment of 1.19 million euro ($1.65 million) from a company of which he was director to an affiliated company for Michael and Ralf Schumacher merchandising articles.

The company that paid the money was, however, already in debt at this time and became insolvent as a result of the transaction.

Weber, who is being charged together with a lawyer and an accountant, is denying any wrongdoing.

The former executive officer of the two companies, who had charges against him dropped after paying a fine, has confirmed that the transactions took place.

Weber could face ten years jail if found guilty.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)