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

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford is retiring amid controversy surrounding a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. An official inquiry found the force used "exaggerated and untrue" intelligence to justify the ban, leading to intense pressure and criticism from the Home Secretary and other officials. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had no confidence in him. The inquiry criticized the force's mishandling of intelligence and lack of strategic oversight. Guildford, who served 32 years as an officer, felt the controversy was a distraction and damaging to the reputation of policing. His retirement will be officially announced by the West Midlands police and crime commissioner, Simon Foster, on Friday.