Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died at the age of 94. Bates death was announced by Chelsea in a statement on Saturday. The club said he passed away peacefully in Monaco surrounded by his wife and family.It read: It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Kens wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends.Kens determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.Bates purchased Chelsea for �1 in 1982, taking on �1.5m in debts to buy the club before transforming the Blues fortunes.Chelsea won promotion back to the top flight in 1984. They were relegated in 1988 but secured an immediate return to the old First Division a year later. After losing the FA Cup final in 1994, Chelsea went on to enjoy consistent success with Bates at the helm, with their victory in the 1997 FA Cup final ending a 26-year wait for a major trophy.They would win the FA Cup again during Bates tenure in 2000, while they also lifted the League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield in his time in charge.Bates sold his shares in Chelsea to Roman Abramovich in 2003 in a �140m deal with the club heavily in debt. He then stepped down as chairman in 2004.Having failed in a bid to take over Sheffield Wednesday, Bates became owner of Leeds in 2005 and was in charge at Elland Road until December 2012.During that time, Leeds lost the 2006 Championship play-off final before entering administration a year later and dropping to the third tier for the first time in the clubs history.Bates formed part of the consortium that purchased Leeds from the administrations, with the club securing a return to the second tier in 2010. He subsequently sold Leeds in 2012, though he remained as chairman and then honorary president until 2013.A statement from the Chelsea Supporters Trust read: Ken was one of the most significant figures inChelseaFootball Clubs modern history.Taking charge during one of the clubs most difficult periods, he played a defining role in securing the clubs future at Stamford Bridge and helping lay the foundations for the success that followed.His impact onChelseawill be remembered for generations, and his place in the clubs history is assured. Topics Chelsea F.C. Leeds United F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester United transfer collapses over medical concerns Nicholas McGee 10th July, 2026 TV Premier League fixtures: Full list of schedule changes in August and September 2026 including channels, live online streams, confirmed kick off times Ben Miller 10th July, 2026 BREAKING: Arsenal sign former Leeds goalkeeper Meslier Jon Fisher 9th July, 2026 Manchester United agree �50m deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as Blues announce �40m Quenda signing Cian Cheesbrough 8th July, 2026 Chelsea flop Rosenior returns to management with Paris FC Jon Fisher 7th July, 2026 Newcastle sign Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim 101 GreatGoals 5th July, 2026
