Chelsea are mourning the death of former chairman Ken Bates, who has died aged 94.
The club confirmed Bates passed away peacefully in Monaco on Saturday morning, surrounded by his wife Suzannah and family.
Chelsea said in a statement: “Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.”
Bates served as Chelsea chairman for 22 years after buying the club in 1982, when it was facing severe financial trouble. The Guardian reports he purchased Chelsea for £1 and later sold the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003.
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Bates Helped Keep Chelsea At Stamford Bridge
Bates remains one of the most significant and controversial figures in Chelsea history.
His 22-year spell covered financial recovery, promotion back to the top flight, major trophies and the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and two Full Members’ Cups during his time in charge.
His biggest legacy, though, may be Stamford Bridge itself. Bates fought a long legal battle after the stadium freehold had fallen into property developers’ hands, before the club secured its future at its historic home.
The Chelsea Pitch Owners scheme also came from that fight, giving supporters a formal role in protecting the Stamford Bridge pitch and club name.
Bates’ style divided opinion. He was combative, outspoken and often controversial. Few would question his place in the club’s modern story.
Chelsea moved into the Abramovich era after Bates sold in 2003. The foundations of that handover were built across two turbulent decades under his leadership.
For many supporters, his legacy will remain complicated. It will also remain impossible to ignore.
