Adam Goldsmith
Live reporter

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Three months on from the contentious decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford today announced his retirement.

Yesterday, both the home secretary and Downing Street pre-empted Guildford's decision when they said they had "lost confidence" in the outgoing police chief constable.

Their statements followed a report that found a series of mistakes around the November football fixture, with police overstating the risk posed by, and to, Maccabi fans in Birmingham.

Today, Guildford pointed at the "political and media frenzy" around his position, which he said had become "detrimental" to the work of his officers and staff.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, the person with the power to dismiss Guildford, said Guildford had "acted with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police".

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said he'd "done the right thing" by retiring - we've written a round up of the reaction from Westminster in an earlier post.

Other interested parties also had their say: The Campaign Against Antisemitism called for Simon Foster to resign over his "pitiful" failure to sack the chief constable.

Our UK correspondent writes that Guildford departed without an apology for the concern the force caused by its recommendation that the Maccabi fans should be banned instead of policed, or to the Jewish community for saying the force had consulted them when it had not.

We're closing our live coverage there, but for more on the story you can have a read of our news article.

We've just had a statement from the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

It says it will continue looking into the actions of West Midlands Police, and the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Birmingham, following Craig Guildford’s retirement as chief constable.

The watchdog's interest in Guildford and other officers involved "does not end" following his decision to step down, IOPC Director General Rachel Watson says.

“Over the last few days, we have been examining a wealth of evidence, and we have met with His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICFRS) to request additional material," the statement continues.

“We will continue examining all available evidence to inform our assessment of whether we should undertake any independent conduct investigations. If that is the case, we’ve said we are prepared to use our powers of initiative to independently investigate in the absence of formal referrals."

It adds that it's liaising with the Home Affairs Committee regarding evidence given by Guildford and other officers in December and January and await its findings.

"If there is any indication of misconduct we will act.”

Image source, House of Commons

The shadow home secretary has written to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), asking it to investigate potential "gross misconduct" by West Midlands Police Chief, Craig Guildford, in relation to the policing of the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv game.

In the letter, Chris Philp asks the police watchdog to investigate the matter due to the amount of "public scrutiny". He says the force themselves "should not investigate this matter as so many officers are implicated".

Philp says a report by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, uncovered what amounts to "gross misconduct" by Craig Guildford, Mike O’Hara (assistant chief constable of West Midlands Police) "and possibly others, requiring IOPC investigation".

He alleges that the force "allowed threats of potential violence by elements of the local Muslim community hostile to Israel to cause a recommendation to be made to ban the away fans. The Force then fabricated evidence to pretend the ban was instead because of the Maccabi fans’ own behaviour based on a previous game in Amsterdam".

The West Midlands Police Federation has just thanked Craig Guildford for his service, while acknowledging it has been an "unsettling period" for policing in the region.

Accountability and public confidence are "fundamental to policing", it says, adding that its focus is now on supporting members and "maintaining stability within the force".

Any lessons learned will be "considered properly and implemented constructively" in a way that supports effective policing, it adds.

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It's "unfortunate and does come across as a bit tin-eared" that Craig Guildford didn't apologise, says Peter Fahy, who was chief constable of Greater Manchester Police between 2008-15.

"That would have helped really restore some element of confidence in the force," he tells BBC Radio 4's PM programme.

The public, along with judges that make decisions using police intelligence, "should be able to rely that the intelligence is as accurate and unbiased as it can be," he says.

"Clearly that didn't happen in this case."

Fahy says he thinks Guildford and the force "don't seem to have understood the enormity" of the decision made to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from last year's match against Aston Villa.

"Whether they liked it or not, it had national and international implications. Therefore, you had to be even more sure and secure on the quality of the intelligence."

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has retired following a row over a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa on 6 November.

If you're joining us on your way back from work, here's a recap of the key developments from this afternoon:

• Guildford's retirement was announced by the region's police and crime commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster, who called it an act of "honour... in the best interests" of the force
• In a statement, Guildford said the "political and media frenzy" around his position had become "detrimental" to the force. He did not apologise for the fan ban or other issues
• Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green was appointed acting chief constable
• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Guildford had done the "right thing" in retiring - here's what the other major parties had to say
• In Birmingham, council leader John Cotton said Guildford's departure was "absolutely the right outcome", while independent MP Ayoub Khan called it a "dark and shameful chapter"

Stay with us for further updates, reaction and analysis.

We can now bring you some political reaction from some of the main Westminster parties.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says she's "glad" Craig Guildford is retiring, but adds that it's "extraordinary that the Labour PCC [police and crime commissioner] and the home secretary didn't just sack him".

The Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesman, Max Wilkinson, says Guildford is "right" to retire immediately. The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the match in Birmingham was "an incredibly serious mistake".

Reform UK's head of policy Zia Yusuf says Guildford "should not be allowed to retire" and instead be "held accountable for his actions" and "dismissed".

As we reported earlier, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said Guildford did "the right thing" in retiring.

Craig Guildford's retirement marks a "dark and shameful chapter" for the West Midlands, says independent MP Ayoub Khan.

His Birmingham Perry Barr constituency covers Aston Villa's stadium, Villa Park. When the decision to ban Maccabi fans was taken in November, Khan backed plans to either cancel or relocate it.

He's also repeatedly called for the chief constable to remain in post.

"We've all just witnessed one of the biggest injustices of our time," he says.

"A chief constable has been sacrificed not for gross misconduct in public office but for doing his job."

Repeating remarks he made in the Commons on Wednesday, he says Guildford was "thrown under the bus because he didn't conform to political pressure".

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The Labour leader of Birmingham City Council says Craig Guildford's retirement is "absolutely the right outcome for our city and region".

"Now the vital work of restoring confidence in the leadership of West Midlands Police can begin and it's absolutely essential that lessons are learned and implemented," John Cotton posts on X.

No apologies from Guildfordpublished at 16:46 GMT 16 January

16:46 GMT 16 January

Daniel Sandford
UK correspondent

In his retirement statement, Craig Guildford said he decided to stand down because of the "political and media frenzy" around his position.

He said it was in the best interests of the force, himself and his family.

But it is notable that he has not apologised for the concern the force caused by its recommendation that the Maccabi fans should be banned instead of policed.

He has not apologised to the Jewish community for saying the force had consulted them when it had not.

And he has not apologised for his officers submitting evidence about a match against West Ham that only existed in an AI hallucination.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Former West Midlands Police chief constable Craig Guildford says the recent "political and media frenzy" around his position has been "detrimental" to the work of the force, in a statement announcing his retirement.

Here it is in full:

“I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands.

"I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family.

"It has been the honour of my career serving as the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.

"With the force’s dedicated and hard-working workforce, together we have turned this force around. I therefore want to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding level of service that this force provides to the public. I know this will continue, thanks to all of the officers, staff and volunteers who work for WMP who all strive to keep the public safe.

"I would also like to thank all of the communities of the West Midlands for your support. I will greatly miss the incredible people I have had the privilege to meet, work with and serve across the region."

We can bring you more reaction now.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews says it welcomes Craig Guildford's retirement and that it's ready to work with his successor "to restore confidence".

In a statement, president Phil Rosenberg says:

"After the calamitous handling of the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture and its aftermath, it is right that the chief constable is departing from his role early.

"After this debacle, we support proposals for the power to sack chief constables to be restored to the home secretary.

"We are ready to work with the local Jewish community, the chief constable's successors and the government to restore confidence that this episode has so seriously eroded."

Image source, Reuters

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says Craig Guildford has done "the right thing" in retiring.

“The findings of the chief inspector were damning. They set out a catalogue of failings that have harmed trust in West Midlands Police," she says.

“By stepping down, Craig Guildford has done the right thing today.

“I would like to acknowledge his years of service. And I pay tribute to the work of the officers in West Midlands Police, who keep their community safe every day.

“Today marks a crucial first step to rebuilding trust and confidence in the force amongst all the communities they serve.”

Good Afternoon Everyone.

Thank you for joining me at the West Midlands Police Headquarters in Birmingham.

The Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, has today retired from West Midlands Police with immediate effect. In doing so, he has acted with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police and our region. I welcome his decision.

I am pleased this outcome has been reached having regard to due process and the law. That has prevented what might otherwise have been a complex procedure, that would have caused significant distraction, impact and cost to West Midlands Police and the wider West Midlands. It was important this matter was resolved in a balanced, calm, fair, measured and respectful manner.

The Chief Constable’s retirement follows the decision of the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group, based on the recommendation of West Midlands Police, to ban away fans from attending the Europa League football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv on 6 November 2025.

West Midlands Police have been subjected to, understandable intense and significant oversight and scrutiny as a consequence of events that led to the recommendation it made to the Safety Advisory Group.

That has included the letter from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary that was published as recently as Wednesday 14 January, that set out significant preliminary concerns and shortcomings in relation to preparation and planning by West Midlands Police.

It is important that I acknowledge the many positive achievements and contributions that Craig Guildford has made to policing within the West Midlands during the course of his 3 years tenure as Chief Constable. As Police and Crime Commissioner and on behalf of the people of the West Midlands, I thank him for his service.

I have today appointed Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green, as the Acting Chief Constable. We have already met, to discuss the actions that the force must take to re-build trust and confidence amongst all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including addressing the significant matters identified in the letter from HMIC.

The Acting Chief Constable and I are committed to working together, to prevent and tackle crime, bring offenders to justice, promote the rights and welfare of victims and ensure the safety and security of the people and communities of the West Midlands.

Thank you.

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Foster says Guildford's retirement follows the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv away fans from attending the 6 November match in Birmingham.

This led to west Midlands Police being "subjected to understandable intense and significant oversight and scrutiny as a consequence of events that led to the recommendation it made to the Safety Advisory Group", which took the decision.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Foster continues by saying it is important to acknowledge Guildford's "many positive achievements and contributions" during his three-year tenure as chief of West Midlands Police, and thanks him for his service.

He adds that he has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green to the role of acting chief constable.

"We have already met, to discuss the actions that the force must take to re-build trust and confidence amongst all the people and communities of the West Midlands," he adds.

West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner Simon Foster begins his statement.

He confirms that West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has retired with immediate effect, which he welcomes.

"In doing so, he has acted with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police," he says.

Foster says the decision has prevented a "complex procedure" that might have been costly and distracting for the police.

Let's turn now to a news conference being held by West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster in Birmingham.

It's not yet clear what he'll say. All we've heard from his office is that it will focus on the fallout from the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game in November.

But it does following our reporting that West Midlands Police chief Craig Guildford is going to announce his retirement today.

We'll bring you the key lines - hit watch live above to follow along.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) is calling for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to resign over his his "pitiful failure" to sack the chief constable.

In a statement, chief executive Gideon Falter also accuses West Midlands Police of having "lied and obfuscated, victim-blaming Jews instead of taking on the Islamists".

"His retirement, after the pitiful failure of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster to sack him, should result in the resignation of Mr Foster as well.

"In any case, Mr Guildford's must not be the last departure from among the force's leadership and obviously he cannot be replaced by another senior figure implicated in the same scandal."

Image source, Reuters

Fans of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv were banned from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa, which took place on 6 November.

The controversial decision was taken by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), led by West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, which deemed the match "high risk" because of unrest during previous Maccabi matches.

Critics of the decision included the prime minister and other politicians, some of whom suggested it amounted to antisemitism.

Police pointed to violent clashes and hate crime offences during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv as part of its justification. But BBC News obtained a letter from the Dutch police inspectorate, which appeared to contradict the claims about Maccabi fans' previous behaviour.

In recent weeks, senior police officers and Birmingham City Council leaders were grilled by MPs over the decision to ban the fans. Guildford said he stood by the accuracy of intelligence in light of the letter from Dutch police.

The police chief was also questioned about a reference in the report to a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham that never happened. He twice blamed a Google search and social media scraping for the error.

But in the letter released on Wednesday, he admitted it was the "result of a use of Microsoft Co Pilot" - an AI tool - and apologised for providing incorrect evidence.

In the days since, Downing Street and the home secretary have said they no longer have confidence in Guildford.