The chief constable of West Midlands Police Craig Guildford, has retired following intense criticism over a controversial decision to ban Israeli supporters from attending a football match against Aston Villa last November.

Guildford’s retirement was confirmed on Friday after both the UK government and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood publicly stated they had lost confidence in his leadership. The decision follows backlash over inaccurate information provided to MPs, including the denial that artificial intelligence had been used in a police report that contributed to banning fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from Villa Park on November 6.

The controversy emerged after a preliminary review by the policing watchdog found that “confirmation bias” influenced West Midlands Police’s risk assessment. The review identified several factual inaccuracies, including references to a non-existent football fixture and overstated claims regarding previous disorder involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters.

Guildford initially told MPs the errors originated from online sources, but later admitted in a letter to the Home Affairs Committee that Microsoft Copilot an AI tool had been used in compiling the report.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke said the force had exaggerated the threat posed by Israeli fans while understating the risks to them, the report also found that police had overstated disorder at a prior match in Amsterdam and misrepresented the level of police deployment.

In announcing his retirement, Guildford said the decision was made in the best interests of the force and his family, blaming what he described as a “political and media frenzy.” He did not issue an apology.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster welcomed the decision, stating it avoided a lengthy disciplinary process and allowed the force to focus on rebuilding trust.

Home Secretary Mahmood described the findings against the force as “damning” and said Guildford’s retirement marked a necessary first step toward restoring public confidence.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it will continue reviewing the case and may launch independent investigations if warranted.

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green has been appointed acting chief constable, with Jen Mattinson named acting deputy chief constable.