Key facts
- Former West Midlands Police chief constable Craig Guildford is being investigated for gross misconduct.
- The investigation by the IOPC relates to the banning of Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match.
- Allegations include inaccuracies in an intelligence briefing document that presented an imbalanced view of risk.
- Three police officers and a staff member are also under investigation.
The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for gross misconduct. The investigation centers on the decision to ban Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6, 2025. The IOPC launched its independent investigation in January to examine the role of West Midlands Police officers in the planning and preparation for the match. Evidence indicates that Guildford may have overseen an intelligence briefing document presented to the safety advisory group that contained inaccuracies and misleading information, allegedly presenting an imbalanced view of the risk posed by away fans. This contributed to the decision to ban the supporters, a move that sparked national and international debate, with the government stating its intention to overturn the ban. Three police officers and a staff member are also being investigated as part of the probe.