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Former Police Chief Faces Misconduct Probe Over Fan Ban

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Former West Midlands Police chief constable Craig Guildford has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential gross misconduct.
Guildford retired after losing the confidence of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood due to a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.
He faced calls to resign after admitting to providing incorrect evidence to Members of Parliament, including denying the use of AI in a report that influenced the fan ban.
The referral was initiated by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

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Story summary

Former West Midlands Police chief constable Craig Guildford has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential gross misconduct.
Guildford retired after losing the confidence of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood due to a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.
He faced calls to resign after admitting to providing incorrect evidence to Members of Parliament, including denying the use of AI in a report that influenced the fan ban.
The referral was initiated by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.