The Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from a Europa League match at Villa Park in November after an advisory report citing safety concerns, with later inspectorate findings revealing eight inaccuracies in that report.

The force’s acting Chief Constable, Scott Green, has taken a transparent approach since taking office, apologizing to affected communities, referring conduct concerns to the IOPC, and engaging directly with Jewish and Muslim groups to listen and inform future decisions.

He stresses that two ongoing inquiries into the ban decision must not be prejudiced by comments, while also underscoring the need for precise intelligence and greater community engagement in future decision-making.

An HM Inspector of Constabulary review found eight inaccuracies in a police report about Maccabi supporters, including an AI-generated reference to a non-existent Maccabi vs. West Ham game.

The leadership turmoil surrounding the force’s preparations and advisory group handling for the match, along with HMICFRS findings of confirmation bias in the ban decision, are part of the broader context.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched two investigations: one into the force’s decision to ban Maccabi fans and another into the conduct of a senior officer and a staff member regarding AI use, following a voluntary conduct referral from West Midlands Police.

Copilot was switched off on Green’s first day and will remain paused pending IOPC assessments, signaling a cautious stance on AI in policing even as Green indicates AI will have a growing role in the future.

Operation Strive is the force’s recovery plan to rebuild trust, implement lessons from committee and inspectorate reports, and ensure accountability for recommendations from HMICFRS, the Home Affairs Select Committee, and IOPC investigations.

Green reiterates a commitment to learning from the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban controversy, confirms a temporary suspension of the Copilot AI tool, and emphasizes rebuilding trust with Birmingham communities while acknowledging past incorrect key decisions.

West Midlands Police has accepted the findings of inaccuracies and insufficient due diligence in intelligence gathering for the ban, has referred itself to the IOPC, and has launched Operation Strive with Green in a leadership role.

Green stresses policing without fear or favor and pledges to publicly demonstrate learning and improvements to all communities affected by the decision-making process.