Ken Bates, Former Chelsea and Leeds Owner, Dies at 94
Ken Bates, who transformed Chelsea from a debt-ridden second-division club into a major trophy winner before selling it to Roman Abramovich in 2003, has died at 94 in Monaco.
Ken Bates, the businessman and former owner of Premier League clubs Chelsea and Leeds United, has passed away peacefully at the age of 94 while residing in Monaco on July 11. Chelsea released a statement saying: "With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. We will never forget Ken's determination to fight for Chelsea during difficult times and his drive to lead the team to major trophies." Bates became renowned during his ownership of Chelsea, having purchased the club in 1982 when it was in the old second division and heavily in debt. He managed the club for many years before selling it to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003. Under Bates' stewardship, Chelsea claimed the FA Cup in 1997, the club's first major trophy in 26 years. The club also won the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup during his era.
