Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the Premier League club confirmed on Saturday.
Chelsea said Bates “passed away peacefully in Monaco” surrounded by his wife and family, paying tribute to a man who played a pivotal role in the club’s modern history.
“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.
Bates bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982, inheriting a debt-ridden club in England’s Second Division. During his 21-year tenure, he helped restore the Blues to the top flight and laid the foundation for their rise as one of English football’s leading clubs.
In 2003, he sold Chelsea to Roman Abramovich in a £140 million deal, ushering in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
Bates later became the principal owner of Leeds United in 2005, overseeing the club before its sale to GFH Capital in 2012.
