Ex-Chelsea and Leeds United proprietor Ken Bates dies aged 94 as tributes pour in
Ken Bates, the former owner of Chelsea and Leeds United, has died at the age of 94, with Chelsea confirming he passed away peacefully in Monaco on Saturday surrounded by his family
Ex-Chelsea chairman Ken Bates(Image: Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
Ken Bates, the former owner of Chelsea and Leeds United, has died at the age of 94. Chelsea confirmed his passing on Saturday, revealing that Bates ‘passed away peacefully in Monaco this morning surrounded by his wife and family’.
In a statement, the Premier League club said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club.
“The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends. Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.”
Following his acquisition of Chelsea for £1 in 1982, Bates is recognised as the figure who rescued them from oblivion. He offloaded the club in 2003 to Roman Abramovich.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust also released a statement which read: “The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Chelsea owner and chairman, Ken Bates. Ken was one of the most significant figures in Chelsea Football Club’s modern history.
“Taking charge during one of the club’s most difficult periods, he played a defining role in securing the club’s future at Stamford Bridge and helping lay the foundations for the success that followed.
“His impact on Chelsea will be remembered for generations, and his place in the club’s history is assured.
“The thoughts of the CST board and all our members around the globe are with Ken’s family, friends and all those who knew him. Thank You, Ken.”
Bates, a lifelong Queens Park Rangers supporter, began his executive career in football in the north of England. He held the chairman position at Oldham Athletic for five years during the 1960s before joining forces with business partner Freddie Pye at Wigan Athletic, where he served as co-owner and vice chairman from 1980 to 1982.
