LONDON (AP) – Former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates, who bought Chelsea for just £1 in 1982, has died. He is 94 years old.
Chelsea confirmed Bates’ death in a statement on Saturday, saying: “He passed away peacefully this morning in Monaco surrounded by his wife and family.”
“The club sends its deepest sympathies to Ken’s wife Susannah, the rest of his family and friends. Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea through difficult times and drive the team to trophies will never be forgotten.”
Bates bought Chelsea at a time when they were in debt and struggling in England’s second tier (for just £1), but he injected cash into the club and oversaw their return to the top flight in 1984.
He was the club’s third-longest serving president, holding the position for 22 years. He also became one of the most recognizable characters in the English game, with a personality that Chelsea described as “colorful, outspoken and controversial”.
He sold Chelsea to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003 for 140 million pounds ($233 million at the time). He took over Leeds as owner and chairman in 2005 and sold the club in 2012.
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