West Midlands police chief to retire after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ban row

Craig Guildford will retire as chief constable of West Midlands police after an inquiry found the force used "exaggerated and untrue" intelligence to justify a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.

Craig Guildford is to retire as chief constable of West Midlands police on Friday after 32 years in the force. The decision follows an official inquiry that found the force used exaggerated and untrue intelligence when advising a safety group about a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. The home secretary said she had no confidence in the chief constable after the report. The police and crime commissioner, Simon Foster, is due to announce the decision at 4pm. Key points: - An inquiry by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary found the intelligence used to justify the ban was exaggerated or untrue. - The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, publicly said she had no confidence in the chief constable following the report. - Craig Guildford will retire on Friday after 32 years in the police and will be entitled to his full pension. - The police and crime commissioner will announce the retirement at 4pm and will need to appoint a new chief constable for the force. Summary: The inquiry's findings prompted senior ministers and other officials to question the handling of intelligence around the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ban, and this loss of confidence preceded Craig Guildford's decision to retire. The immediate next step is the scheduled announcement by the police and crime commissioner, and the appointment process for a new chief constable will follow.