The police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands has decided not to dismiss the chief constable, despite the Home Secretary expressing a loss of confidence in his leadership. The controversy centers on the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a football match against Aston Villa, which a recent watchdog report criticized as showing 'confirmation bias' and 'a failure of leadership.' The Home Secretary stated that the chief constable bears ultimate responsibility and called the report 'damning,' but noted she does not have the authority to remove him from his position.

Commissioner Simon Foster said he will await further reports, including one from the Home Affairs Committee, before making any decisions regarding the chief constable's future. He emphasized the importance of due process and announced that the matter will be discussed at a public meeting of the accountability and governance board in January 2026. Foster also noted that the watchdog's letter is not the final report and that conclusions may change as more information emerges.