### Craig Guildford's Retirement: A Controversial Exit Amidst Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban - Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, announced his retirement on January 16, 2026, following significant backlash over his decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from attending a match against Aston Villa. This decision, made under the pretext of security concerns, was criticized for allegedly relying on exaggerated and false intelligence, leading to a diplomatic incident and public outcry [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/west-midlands-police-chief-quit-maccabi-tel-aviv-craig-guildford-b2900494.html][https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/16/west-midlands-police-chief-craig-guildford-to-retire-after-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans-ban-row]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Background of the Controversy** - Overview of the fan ban and its implications. - Public and political reactions leading to Guildford's retirement. 2. **Details of the Retirement Announcement** - Timing and context of the retirement. - Statements from key figures, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. 3. **Implications for West Midlands Police** - Potential conduct investigations following Guildford's exit. - Future leadership and direction of the police force. 4. **Public and Media Reactions** - Responses from Aston Villa fans and the broader community. - Media coverage and analysis of the situation. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Events Leading to Retirement:** - January 16, 2026: Guildford announces retirement amid mounting pressure [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/west-midlands-shabana-mahmood-west-midlands-police-maccabi-tel-aviv-aston-villa-b2902052.html]. - Home Secretary Mahmood expresses lack of confidence in Guildford [https://news.sky.com/story/west-midlands-police-chief-constable-craig-guildford-to-retire-following-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans-ban-row-13494072]. - Inquiry reveals the use of false intelligence to justify the fan ban [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/16/west-midlands-police-chief-craig-guildford-to-retire-after-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans-ban-row]. ### Conclusion and Findings - **Major Conclusions:** 1. **Craig Guildford's retirement is a direct result of the backlash over the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban**, which was criticized for its reliance on dubious intelligence [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-west-midlands-shabana-mahmood-west-midlands-police-maccabi-tel-aviv-b2901983.html]. 2. **The incident has raised questions about the integrity and decision-making processes within West Midlands Police**, prompting potential investigations into Guildford's conduct [https://www.channel4.com/news/west-midlands-chief-constable-to-retire-after-maccabi-tel-aviv-row]. 3. **Public sentiment appears to support the decision for Guildford to step down**, with many viewing it as a necessary action for restoring trust in the police force [https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2026/01/16/it-was-the-right-thing-to-do-aston-villa-fans-react-as-west-midlands-police-chief-retires-following-maccabi-tel-aviv-controversy]. This summary encapsulates the key elements surrounding Craig Guildford's retirement, highlighting the controversy and its implications for the West Midlands Police.