IOPC Investigates Ex-Chief Craig Guildford Over 2025 Israeli Fan Ban

Q: Why did a disgraced police chief receive a massive taxpayer payout after allegedly using fabricated intelligence to ban fans?

He received the payout because, despite the allegations, he left through retirement under the terms of his contract, not through dismissal after a completed misconduct process. Craig Guildford, the former West Midlands Police chief, is now under IOPC investigation for possible gross misconduct over the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban, including claims that an intelligence briefing used in the decision contained inaccuracies, misleading material and AI-sourced errors. But at the point he departed in January, those issues had not yet resulted in a formal finding against him. West Midlands Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office say Guildford was legally entitled to three months’ pay in lieu of notice plus any outstanding leave. That produced the £57,800 “loss of office” payment, on top of salary already earned and pension contributions. The PCC’s office said there was no legal mechanism to stop him retiring or resigning, and argued that letting him leave immediately was cheaper than keeping him in post through a notice period until April 2026 on his full chief constable salary. That is why critics describe it as a “golden goodbye,” while the force insists it was simply the minimum contractual payment required by law. The deeper issue is procedural: in UK policing, senior officers can often retire before misconduct cases are concluded, meaning benefits or notice payments may still be triggered unless and until they are formally dismissed or barred after due process.

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 26

Craig Guildford is under IOPC investigation for gross misconduct over the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at Aston Villa's 6 November 2025 match.
The watchdog said Guildford may have overseen an intelligence briefing later reported to contain inaccuracies and misleading information that gave an imbalanced picture of away-fan risk.
Three police officers and one staff member also received notice, including a senior serving officer accused of failing to ensure the briefing's accuracy and impartiality.
The IOPC opened its independent probe in January into West Midlands Police planning for the match after the ban triggered national and international debate and government pressure to reverse it.