Payout for Former Chief Constable
Former West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has received a £57,800 payout after retiring under pressure over his handling of a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match at Villa Park. The payment, confirmed by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's office, covers three months' pay in lieu of notice and outstanding leave.
Background of the Controversy
Guildford retired in January 2026 following intense scrutiny over his recommendation to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from the Europa League clash on November 6, 2025. He later admitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee that the decision was based on incorrect intelligence generated by Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool. The false information included a fictitious match between Maccabi and West Ham United.
Home Secretary's Loss of Confidence
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she had lost confidence in Guildford's leadership, prompting his departure. The committee also criticized the force for failing to adequately consult the Jewish community before the ban.
Commissioner's Statement
A spokesperson for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said: "On January 16, former Chief Constable Craig Guildford retired with immediate effect. There is no mechanism via which a Police and Crime Commissioner can prevent a Chief Constable retiring or resigning. Mr Guildford stepped down following months of scrutiny from the PCC and many others after West Midlands Police made the decision to recommend to the council's Safety Advisory Group a ban on away fans attending the match between Villa and Maccabi."
Details of the Payout
The spokesperson added: "Mr Guildford was legally entitled to three months’ pay in lieu of notice, plus any outstanding leave. He received no more than the bare minimum he was contractually entitled to. The alternative was for Mr Guildford to remain in post until April 2026, work his three-month notice period, and be paid his salary as Chief Constable, continuing to make operational decisions and lead the force. This would clearly not have been in the interests of the public or West Midlands Police. Retirement with immediate effect was both the most efficient and cost-effective outcome and ensured continuity of operational leadership within West Midlands Police."
Impact and Aftermath
The incident highlighted risks of using AI in policing without proper verification. Guildford had previously told MPs the force did not use AI, contradicting the committee's findings. The payout has drawn criticism, though officials argue it was the most cost-effective option to restore public trust.
