Ken Bates, former chairman of Chelsea, dies at age 94
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 1:48 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Ken Bates, the controversial former chairman and owner of Chelsea Football Club, passed away at 94. Chelsea announced his death, stating he died peacefully in Monaco surrounded by family. Bates acquired Chelsea for £1 in 1982, leading the club through a critical phase before selling it to Roman Abramovich in 2003. He later owned Leeds United before selling the club in 2012. The club expressed profound condolences to Bates' family.
- •Ken Bates died peacefully in Monaco surrounded by family.
- •He purchased Chelsea for £1 in 1982 and sold it in 2003.
- •Bates' tenure saw Chelsea rise to the top flight of English football.
- •He became Leeds United's principal owner in 2005, selling the club in 2012.
- •Chelsea expressed heartfelt condolences to Bates' family.
- 2:56 PMESPN Soccer — Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates dies aged 94
- 1:48 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ken Bates, colourful and controversial former Chelsea chair, dies aged 94
- 1:47 PMYahoo Sports — Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates dies aged 94
"Bates oversaw eventful 21-year period in club’s history His subsequent ownership of Leeds was hugely troubled Ken Bates, one of the most colourful and controversial figures in the history of English football, has died aged 94, Chelsea have announced. The club reported on Saturday afternoon that Bates had died peacefully in Monaco surrounded by his wife and family, adding in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. Continue reading...
"Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 and eventually sold the club to Roman Abramovich, leading to a glittering era for the Stamford Bridge club
"Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the club announced on Saturday.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 11, 2026, 2:56 PMFormer Chelsea chairman Ken Bates dies aged 94
Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the club announced on Saturday.
- The Guardian SportJul 11, 2026, 1:48 PMKen Bates, colourful and controversial former Chelsea chair, dies aged 94
Bates oversaw eventful 21-year period in club’s history His subsequent ownership of Leeds was hugely troubled Ken Bates, one of the most colourful and controversial figures in the history of English football, has died aged 94, Chelsea have announced. The club reported on Saturday afternoon that Bates had died peacefully in Monaco surrounded by his wife and family, adding in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 1:47 PMFormer Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates dies aged 94
Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 and eventually sold the club to Roman Abramovich, leading to a glittering era for the Stamford Bridge club
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