Foreign Relations

UK Watchdog Investigates Ex-Police Chief Over Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of a packed Maccabi Tel Aviv football crowd in yellow and blue facing the pitch under bright nighttime stadium lights, drawn in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel with cross-hatching on sepia newsprint.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct says former West Midlands Police chief Craig Guildford, three officers and one staff member are under conduct investigation over the decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a November 2025 Europa League match at Villa Park. The watchdog said it examined more than 600 pieces of evidence. Guildford, one senior officer and the staff member face possible gross misconduct findings over alleged briefing inaccuracies, inadequate scrutiny and AI-sourced information. Two other senior officers face possible misconduct findings involving impartiality, oversight and engagement with local Jewish communities. The notices do not mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.

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