Former West Midlands Police Chief Receives £57,800 Compensation After Banning Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans

Craig Guildford, the former commander of West Midlands Police, retired in January 2026 after controversially banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa in November 2025. The decision, which sparked political tensions beyond sports, was later revealed to have been based on incorrect information obtained through artificial intelligence.

Guildford received a substantial compensation package totaling £57,800, which included three months' salary in lieu of notice and accrued holiday pay. The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's office explained that this arrangement was legally mandated and financially more efficient than having Guildford remain in his role during the notice period. They emphasized that immediate retirement ensured operational leadership continuity within the police force.

The incident highlighted challenges in using AI-generated intelligence for security decisions at high-profile sporting events. The West Midlands Police spokesperson noted that the alternative would have been for Guildford to continue in his position until April 2026, which was deemed not in the public interest. The Europa League match remains a notable example of the intersection between sports and political controversy.