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Former Chelsea and Leeds owner, Ken Bates dies at 94

ByKehinde-Hassan Afolabi

Former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates has died aged 94, leaving behind a lasting legacy after transforming the club from financial turmoil into a major force in English football.

Former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates has died aged 94 after passing away peacefully in Monaco surrounded by his family, the club announced on Saturday.

Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 while the club was struggling in the old Second Division and burdened with debts.

During his 22-year reign, Chelsea returned to the top flight and won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup before he sold the club to Roman Abramovich for £140 million in 2003.

Chelsea paid tribute to Bates, praising his determination in securing the club’s future and laying the foundations for its modern success.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust described him as one of the most influential figures in the club’s history, while his creation of Chelsea Pitch Owners helped safeguard Stamford Bridge from redevelopment.

Bates later owned Leeds United from 2005 to 2012, overseeing promotion back to the Championship after a turbulent period that included administration and relegation.

Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi is a football journalist whose deep tactical understanding of the game makes him a standout, captivating audiences across print, audio, and video. His poetic background brings a unique rhythm and depth to his work, seamlessly transforming analysis into artistry. With a knack for narration and research, he captures the drama of the game beyond tactics and statistics, making each piece of his; a compelling blend of insight and storytelling.

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