Craig Guildford blames the "political and media frenzy" as he confirms his decision to step down.

Chief constable Craig Guildford said the public outrage had become a "significant distraction" to "all the great work" of the West Midlands police.

Chief constable Craig Guildford said the public outrage had become a "significant distraction" to "all the great work" of the West Midlands police.

Craig Guildford to step down immediately, after home secretary said she had lost confidence in him due to his handling of the affair

Craig Guildford to step down immediately, after home secretary said she had lost confidence in him due to his handling of the affair

Craig Guildford had been facing immense pressure to leave his post for misleading MPs and the public over the decision to bar supporters of the Israeli side.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had said she did not have confidence in the police leader, following his force's controversial ban on Israeli fans from an Aston Villa match.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had said she did not have confidence in the police leader, following his force's controversial ban on Israeli fans from an Aston Villa match.

Craig Guildford, the chief constable of West Midlands Police, will step down with immediate effect as the head of the force following mounting pressure for him to quit over the controversy. UK Police Chief Craig Guildford Who Recommended Ban of Soccer Fans of Israeli Team Maccabi Tel Aviv Retires.

Chief constable Craig Guildford resigned after losing the confidence of the government and the local council leader. It is a scandal that laid bare how one of the country's leading police forces mishandled intelligence and repeatedly misled the public.