Craig Guildford, the former chief constable of West Midlands Police, is under investigation for gross misconduct related to the exclusion of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a Europa League match against Aston Villa. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining the actions of Guildford and several officers regarding the planning and intelligence used for the match on November 6, 2025.
The investigation follows claims that misleading information in an intelligence briefing contributed to the decision to ban the fans. The IOPC is assessing whether the involved officers upheld professional standards and whether their actions may have undermined public trust in the police force, which has been a concern for the community and the government alike.
Watch for the IOPC's findings, which could reshape police-community relations in Birmingham. The investigation may lead to policy changes regarding fan safety and intelligence handling, impacting future matches and community engagement efforts.