Ken Bates, former Chelsea and Leeds chairman, dies at 94

Ken Bates, the former owner and chairman of Chelsea and Leeds United football clubs, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully at his home in Monaco, surrounded by his wife, Suzannah, and his family.

The news was first announced by Chelsea Football Club, where Bates served as chairman for 22 years. The club released a statement expressing sadness and extending condolences to his family. Leeds United, which Bates owned from 2005 to 2013, also issued a statement offering condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues.

Bates was a pivotal and often controversial figure in English football. His most famous act was purchasing Chelsea in 1982 for a symbolic one pound, rescuing the club from financial peril and potential redevelopment of its Stamford Bridge stadium. Under his 21-year tenure, Chelsea was promoted to the top division and won several major trophies, including the FA Cup twice, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. He sold the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for 140 million pounds.

After leaving Chelsea, Bates acquired a controlling stake in Leeds United in January 2005, following the club's...