The government has requested the policing watchdog to investigate the processes behind safety-related decisions at major football matches. This comes after reports surfaced suggesting the ban on the football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa was based on false intelligence.
Officials are examining how information is evaluated and acted upon to ensure that fans' access to events is not unfairly restricted due to inaccurate or misleading intelligence.
"It is essential that decisions around football safety are grounded in reliable evidence to maintain trust and fairness," said a government spokesperson.
The investigation aims to improve transparency and accuracy in security assessments for high-profile football events, preventing similar situations in the future.
This review highlights the critical need for verifying intelligence before imposing restrictions on football matches to protect fans' interests and uphold fairness.