0h 7min, jan 19, 2026 y - Investigation over Israeli fan ban

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West Midlands Police is to be investigated over its decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match in Birmingham.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation to look into the actions of officers and staff in the build-up to the Israeli club's fixture with Aston Villa last November.

It follows the retirement of Chief Constable Craig Guildford over the ban at a Europa League tie.

In addition to the IOPC's decision to call in the matter, the force has self-referred itself to the watchdog over one senior officer and one member of staff's use of AI in the planning process of the ban.

The IOPC is to now assess whether employees have cases to answer for misconduct.

The watchdog said it had received new information in the past 24 hours and had used its "power of initiative" to begin a probe.

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