Former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates has passed away at the age of 94. Chelsea announced Bates’s death on Saturday and hailed him for his contribution to the club during a period of huge change from 1982 to 2003.
Bates bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982 when the club was in dire straits financially and was there for all their promotion-winning heroics from the Second Division as well as two FA Cups and a League Cup before selling on to Roman Abramovich.
Bates was also chairman for two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a Community Shield victories as he oversaw major redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, ensuring the club could remain there.
Chelsea announced his passing on Saturday with a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates.” Bates’s sympathies are extended to his wife Suzannah, family, and friends.
After selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003, Bates went on to purchase Leeds United in 2004. He spent eight years at Elland Road before selling the club in 2013.
Bates, the former Football League official, has been retired to Monaco since then, where he passed away on Saturday morning.
