Former Chelsea Owner Ken Bates Dies at Age 94

Chelsea announced on Saturday that former owner and chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94. Bates passed away peacefully in Monaco that morning, surrounded by his wife and family. He bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 when the club played in the old Second Division and carried debts of £1.5 million.

He sold the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 in a £140 million deal at a time when Chelsea competed in the English top flight but remained heavily in debt. Bates stayed on as chairman until 2004. Chelsea issued a statement expressing sadness at the loss and sending condolences to his wife Suzannah, family and friends.

The statement noted Bates' determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough and his drive to win trophies.