Official complaints have been filed against a Birmingham Labour city councillor who participated in the contentious decision to prohibit supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match at Aston Villa. The councillor, Waseem Zaffar, is now under scrutiny from MPs within his own party and faces allegations of bias and failing to properly declare his interests.
Allegations of Bias and Antisemitism
The complaints, which are being assessed by Birmingham City Council, could trigger a full standards investigation. One complaint, seen by local media, alleges that Councillor Zaffar holds 'deeply anti Israel and anti Zionist beliefs that equated to antisemitism' and has brought the council into disrepute. A separate complaint claims he did not adequately declare his interest in the issue before taking part in the critical Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings, as mandated by the council's Code of Conduct.
Cllr Zaffar, an Aston Villa season ticket holder, had previously publicly called for a ban on Israeli sports clubs and wrote an opinion piece explaining his personal boycott of the Villa vs Maccabi match, citing Israel's actions in Gaza. Several weeks later, he was one of only two city councillors present at the SAG meeting on October 7 where the ban on away fans was agreed, following a recommendation from West Midlands Police largely based on concerns over potential disorder.
Mounting Political Pressure and Criticism
The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from fellow politicians. During a Home Affairs Committee investigation earlier this month, Labour MP Joani Reid questioned why a councillor who had made what she described as 'antisemitic comments and generalisations' publicly was allowed to be part of the decision-making SAG. She stated the involvement had 'harmed the confidence of the Jewish community in Birmingham'.
Further pressure came from Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley MP Tahir Ali, who told the House of Commons on Wednesday January 14 that SAG members, including one he was 'ashamed to say in my own party', were 'biased' and had a personal agenda. He called for them to be 'held to account'. In response, the Home Secretary emphasised the need for 'dispassionate, fact based findings' free from other political agendas.
Councillor's Response and Next Steps
In a statement, Councillor Waseem Zaffar strongly rejected the allegations. 'I completely reject any suggestion that I made antisemitic comments during the Safety Advisory Group meetings,' he said. He asserted that at the first meeting on October 7, he made clear that safety was the paramount concern, regardless of personal views, and that the SAG ultimately followed police advice. He also stated he had declared his interests as a season ticket holder and regarding his public comments on the fixture.
Cllr Zaffar confirmed he would cooperate fully with any standards investigation. Birmingham City Council has acknowledged receiving a complaint against a councillor and stated an assessment is underway to determine if it meets the threshold for further action. The fallout from the fan ban decision continues to resonate through local and national politics.
