Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died on the age of 94, the Premier League membership have introduced.
The Blues stated in an announcement that Bates had “handed away peacefully in Monaco this morning surrounded by his spouse and household”.
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Bates famously purchased Chelsea for simply £1 in 1982 and oversaw the rise once more of the (*94*) Division after inheriting money owed of £1.5m.
He would finally promote the membership to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £140m, with the membership again within the prime flight in a transfer that might ship the membership in the direction of an unprecedented interval of success beneath the Russian billionaire. Bates remained as chairman for a spell, however quickly stepped down in 2024.
Bates turned the principal owner of Leeds United in 2005 after a deal to accumulate 50 % of the membership and ran the membership for seven years earlier than its sale to GFH Capital in 2012.
Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates with Dennis Wise in 2006 (PA)
A Chelsea assertion learn: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club.
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“The membership sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s spouse Suzannah, the remainder of his household and his buddies.
“Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.”