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West Midlands Police Chief Retires After Banning Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans, Receives Large Compensation
How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
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First reported by Walla · Jul 17, 2026
What happened
Craig Guildford, West Midlands Police chief, retired with a £57,800 payout after banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a 2025 Europa League match due to AI-based misinformation.
- 01Craig Guildford banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a November 2025 Europa League match at Villa Park.
- 02Guildford retired in January 2026, receiving £57,800 in compensation including salary and holiday pay.
- 03His ban recommendation was based on incorrect AI-generated information, which he admitted during investigation.
- 04The police commissioner's office said immediate retirement was more cost-effective than a notice period with full salary.
- 05Guildford's retirement ensured operational leadership continuity within West Midlands Police.
- 06Had he not retired, Guildford would have stayed until April 2026 with full pay.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 3 outlets
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