West Midlands Police chief retires after Maccabi fan ban fallout

Key Concepts

• Due Process: Legal requirement that the state respect all legal rights that are owed to a person.
• Safety Advisory Group (SAG): A multi-agency group providing advice on safety at events.
• HMIC (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary): The independent statutory inspector of policing in England and Wales.
• Away Fans Ban: Prohibition of supporters of the visiting team from attending a sporting event.
• Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC): An elected official responsible for overseeing policing in a specific area.

Chief Constable’s Retirement & Force Rebuilding

The statement addresses the retirement of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guilford, framed as a positive outcome achieved through adherence to due process and legal frameworks. This retirement avoids a potentially “complex procedure” that would have resulted in “significant distraction, impact and cost” to the West Midlands Police and the wider region. The speaker emphasizes the importance of resolving the matter in a “balanced, calm, fair, measured and respectful manner.”

Europa League Match & Subsequent Scrutiny

The catalyst for this situation was the decision by the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to ban away fans from the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League football match scheduled for November 6th, 2025. This ban stemmed from a recommendation made by West Midlands Police. Following this recommendation, the force has been subject to “understandable, intense, and significant oversight and scrutiny.” Specifically cited is a recent letter (published January 14th) from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) outlining “significant preliminary concerns and shortcomings” regarding the preparation and planning undertaken by West Midlands Police in relation to this event.

Acknowledgment of Past Contributions & Future Focus

Despite the circumstances leading to his retirement, the speaker acknowledges Craig Guilford’s “many positive achievements and contributions” during his three-year tenure as Chief Constable. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) expresses gratitude for Guilford’s service on behalf of the people of the West Midlands.

Appointment of Acting Chief Constable & Rebuilding Trust

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green has been appointed as the acting Chief Constable. The PCC and Green have already discussed “the actions that the force must take to rebuild trust and confidence amongst all the people and communities of the West Midlands,” with a specific focus on addressing the issues raised in the HMIC letter.

Commitment to Core Policing Principles

Both the PCC and the acting Chief Constable are “committed to working together” to uphold core policing principles: preventing and tackling crime, bringing offenders to justice, protecting victims’ rights and welfare, and ensuring the safety and security of all communities within the West Midlands.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The statement presents a clear narrative: a controversial decision (away fan ban), subsequent intense scrutiny (HMIC report), a resulting leadership change (Chief Constable’s retirement), and a commitment to rebuilding trust and improving performance. The retirement is presented not as a dismissal, but as a mutually agreeable outcome that avoids further disruption. The appointment of an acting Chief Constable and the immediate focus on addressing the HMIC’s concerns demonstrate a proactive approach to rectifying identified shortcomings and restoring public confidence.