Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates dies aged 94
Callum McAvoy Sports Reporter Published July 11, 2026 2:49pm Updated July 11, 2026 2:49pm Ken Bates was Chelsea chairman from 1982 to 2003 Ken Bates, the…
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Callum McAvoy | Sports Reporter Published July 11, 2026 2:49pm Updated July 11, 2026 2:49pm Ken Bates was Chelsea chairman from 1982 to 2003 (Photo: Getty) Ken Bates, the former owner of football clubs Chelsea and Leeds United , has died aged 94. ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club,’ Chelsea announced in a statement on Saturday. ‘The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends. Bates famously bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982 and oversaw the rise again of the Second Division after inheriting debts of £1.5m. "Ken's determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.".
Furthermore, Former Blues chairman bought the club for £1 in 1982 and helped guide them into the top flight and both domestic and European success.
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Callum McAvoy | Sports Reporter Published July 11, 2026 2:49pm Updated July 11, 2026 2:49pm Ken Bates was Chelsea chairman from 1982 to 2003 (Photo: Getty) Ken Bates, the former owner of football clubs Chelsea and Leeds United , has died aged 94. ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club,’ Chelsea announced in a statement on Saturday. ‘The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends.
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Bates famously bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982 and oversaw the rise again of the Second Division after inheriting debts of £1.5m.
according to The Independent"Ken's determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten."
according to The IndependentFormer Blues chairman bought the club for £1 in 1982 and helped guide them into the top flight and both domestic and European success
according to Evening Standard - News +1
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Callum McAvoy | Sports Reporter Published July 11, 2026 2:49pm Updated July 11, 2026 2:49pm Ken Bates was Chelsea chairman from 1982 to…
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