The former chief constable of West Midlands Police faces a police watchdog investigation over the decision to ban Israeli football supporters from a match against Aston Villa.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has notified Craig Guildford that it is investigating him for potential gross misconduct.
Three serving police officers and a member of police staff also face investigations.
The IOPC began its independent investigation in January.
The inquiry examines how West Midlands Police planned and prepared for the match at Villa Park on November 6, 2025.
The decision to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters sparked national and international controversy.
The government also said it would make every effort to overturn the ban.
Police Briefing Faces Scrutiny
The IOPC said evidence suggests Guildford may have overseen an intelligence briefing presented to the safety advisory group.
The watchdog said the document later appeared to contain inaccurate or misleading information.
Investigators believe the briefing may have presented an imbalanced assessment of the risks associated with visiting supporters.
That information allegedly contributed to the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
The IOPC said Guildford may have failed to ensure sufficient checks and scrutiny of the influential document.
A senior serving officer who helped compile the briefing also faces an investigation.
The IOPC is examining whether the officer accurately represented relevant information.
Investigators are also looking into the handling of sensitive intelligence before officials shared the briefing with the safety advisory group.
AI Research Also Under Investigation
A member of police staff who researched and compiled intelligence for the match also faces scrutiny.
The IOPC alleges the staff member used AI searches to find information and included inaccurate material in the briefing.
Investigators say the staff member did not take further steps to verify the information before its inclusion.
Two other senior officers also face potential misconduct investigations.
One officer allegedly failed to show sufficient diligence while overseeing the operation.
The IOPC is examining whether that officer properly balanced operational requirements with engagement with local Jewish communities.
Investigators are also examining alleged concerns about the officer’s impartiality toward Maccabi supporters.
The second officer faces scrutiny over their oversight of the briefing and alleged lack of balance when referring to the visiting fans.
IOPC Examines Hundreds of Evidence Items
The watchdog’s investigation team has reviewed more than 600 pieces of evidence.
The material includes operational documents, intelligence reports, research, meeting minutes, emails and messages.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said investigators had found indications that some serving police personnel may have breached professional standards.
However, receiving an investigation notice does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will definitely follow.
The IOPC will decide at the end of its investigation whether anyone has a case to answer.
That decision could lead to a misconduct meeting or hearing.
West Midlands Police Acknowledges Damage to Trust
West Midlands Police said it would continue cooperating with the investigation.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson said she voluntarily referred conduct concerns involving senior officers and staff to the IOPC after taking up her role.
She said the referral came before the watchdog announced its independent investigation.
Mattinson also acknowledged that the incident had damaged public confidence in the force.
She said West Midlands Police had spent the past seven months working to rebuild trust.
The IOPC stressed that its investigation remains ongoing and that all decisions will remain under review.
The case could have wider implications for policing decisions involving football supporters, intelligence assessments and community relations.
