Craig Guildford, who retired from the force following pressure over the decision to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park, has received a five-figure sum #
The former West Midlands Police chief who left the force under a dark cloud over his handling of an Aston Villa football match has received a huge £57,800 payout.
Craig Guildford retired from the force in January following pressure over the decision to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park on November 6, 2025.
The former Chief Constable admitted his recommendation to ban Maccabi fans from the Europa League clash was based on incorrect information gathered using AI.
**READ MORE: **Tragedy as man's body found in Solihull street
He told the Home Affairs select committee the inclusion of a fictitious match between Maccabi and West Ham in police intelligence "arose as a result of a use of Microsoft Copilot".
It came after he had previously told MPs that the force did not use AI.
The committee also found the force did not adequately consult the Jewish community. Guildford, who will now receive the huge five-figure sum in retirement, left the force after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had lost confidence in his leadership.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner office told BirminghamLive this morning that Guildford was "legally entitled to three months' pay in lieu of notice, plus any outstanding leave".
The alternative would have seen Guildford stay in his position during a three-month notice period whilst being paid his full salary, which the office said would not have been in the interest of the public.
A spokesperson 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.
“The Commissioner has to act in accordance with due process and the law.
"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."