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Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
In a statement, Chelsea said Bates died peacefully in Monaco on Saturday morning, surrounded by his wife and family.
The club paid tribute to its former chairman, describing him as a key figure in Chelsea’s history whose commitment during difficult periods helped shape the club’s future.
“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.”
Chelsea said his determination to steer the club through challenging times and lead it to trophy success would never be forgotten.
Bates bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982, taking control of a financially troubled club saddled with debts of about £1.5 million and competing in England’s Second Division.
During his 21-year tenure, he guided Chelsea back to the top flight and played a major role in laying the foundations for the club’s rise as one of England’s leading football teams.
In 2003, Bates sold Chelsea to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in a £140 million deal, paving the way for one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
He remained involved with the club for a time before stepping down as chairman.
Bates later became the principal owner of Leeds United after acquiring a 50 per cent stake in the club in 2005.
He oversaw the club’s operations for seven years before Leeds was sold to GFH Capital in 2012.
