The police watchdog has announced it will scrutinise the actions of West Midlands Police regarding the controversial decision to ban supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from a match in Birmingham last year.
Watchdog Steps In to Assess Evidence
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed to Sky News that it will assess evidence provided by the force to MPs. It will also consider the findings of an upcoming review into how police intelligence was used to justify the exclusion of the Israeli club's fans from the Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park in November.
An IOPC spokesperson stated: "It is right for public confidence and police accountability that the force's involvement in the decision-making process is examined by all relevant organisations, including the IOPC."
Force Accused of Misleading Parliament
The investigation follows significant political fallout. West Midlands Police has already apologised for providing misleading evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee. The force initially told MPs on 1 December that the local Jewish community supported the ban, a claim it later retracted.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford was recalled for a second grilling by the committee on Tuesday 7 January 2026. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for his resignation, accusing him of presenting an "inversion of reality" and misleading Parliament.
Committee chair Dame Karen Bradley MP suggested the police had "scraped" to find a reason to ban the fans, a claim Mr Guildford strongly denied.
Revelations Over Intelligence and Community Tensions
Further scrutiny arose from revelations about the intelligence picture. WMP only disclosed its full reasoning hours before the match, citing "significant levels of hooliganism" associated with Maccabi's fanbase, which the club itself acknowledges.
However, it was revealed this week that in early September, shortly after the Europa League draw, the force possessed "high confidence intelligence" about elements within the local Birmingham community wanting to "arm" themselves against visiting fans. This critical detail was not clearly presented in initial safety advisory group meetings.
When questioned, WMP confirmed concerns about "vigilante groups" targeting Maccabi fans, but also cited online activity by Israelis "goading local community members".
Political Fallout and Allegations
The case has ignited a fierce political debate. Kemi Badenoch accused West Midlands Police of having "capitulated to Islamists and then collaborated with them to cover it up." She argued the force's response to a threat against Jewish fans was to "blame and remove Jewish people instead."
The IOPC confirmed it has not yet received any formal conduct referrals regarding individuals within the force but is monitoring the situation closely. It awaits the report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which is reviewing the intelligence and risk assessment provided by police.
The watchdog pledged to thoroughly examine any future referrals, as the controversy continues to raise serious questions about policing, intelligence, and community relations in the West Midlands.
