Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
According to Reuters, Chelsea said Bates died peacefully in Monaco, surrounded by his wife and family. The club also sent condolences to his wife, Suzannah, and the rest of his family.
Chelsea described Bates as a major figure in the club’s history. The club also praised his role during some of its most difficult years.
“Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten,” the club said.
“Rest in peace, Ken.”
Bates bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982 when the club faced heavy debts and played outside the top flight. He later became one of the club’s longest-serving chairmen and spent more than two decades at Stamford Bridge.
During his time at Chelsea, the club returned to the top division and won major trophies. These included the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Bates also played a major role in protecting Stamford Bridge from property redevelopment through the Chelsea Pitch Owners structure. This structure helped preserve the club’s long-term home.
In 2003, he sold Chelsea to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in a deal worth about £140m. The takeover later marked the start of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Bates remained involved with the club for a period after the sale before leaving his role.
He later moved into ownership at Leeds United in 2005, when he acquired a major stake in the club. His time at Leeds lasted several years before the club changed ownership in 2012.
The Ken Bates death has drawn attention across English football. Many people are remembering him as a controversial but influential administrator who helped reshape Chelsea before the club’s modern era of success.
