Ex-chief constable investigated over ban on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans
Summary
The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is being investigated for gross misconduct by the police watchdog. The investigation focuses on his role in banning Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from a match against Aston Villa due to a briefing document that may have contained inaccurate and biased information.Key Facts
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened the investigation in January 2026.
- Craig Guildford, three police officers, and one staff member are under investigation.
- The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was for a match held on 6 November 2025 at Villa Park.
- The briefing document, which influenced the decision to ban fans, may have included misleading and inaccurate information.
- The police watchdog says Guildford may have failed to properly check the document for accuracy.
- A senior officer involved in making the briefing is also being investigated for lack of impartiality.
- The ban caused national and international debate and the government tried to have it overturned.
- The IOPC investigation is ongoing and more updates will be released.
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