Ken Bates, the former chairman and owner of Chelsea Football Club, has died at the age of 94. Bates passed away peacefully in Monaco on Saturday morning, surrounded by his wife and family.
Chelsea Football Club confirmed the news in a statement, expressing deep sadness and offering condolences to Bates' family and friends. The club acknowledged his determination during difficult times and his role in driving the team to trophies, stating his contributions would not be forgotten.
Bates is best known for his acquisition of Chelsea in 1982 when he bought the club for a nominal £1. He served as chairman for 22 years, becoming the third-longest serving in the club's history. During his tenure, he guided Chelsea through significant periods of change and towards the upper echelon of the Premier League before selling the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £140 million.
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust also issued a tribute, recognizing Bates as one of the most significant figures in the club's modern history. The Trust highlighted his crucial role in securing the club's future at Stamford Bridge during a challenging period and laying the groundwork for subsequent successes. His impact on Chelsea is expected to be remembered for generations, securing his place in the club's historical record.
After his time at Chelsea, Bates took over as owner of Leeds United in 2005, following their relegation to the Championship.
