Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94.
Bates, who famously bought the west London football club for just £1 in 1982, passed away peacefully in Monaco on Saturday morning surrounded by his wife and family.
Chelsea announced the news in a statement, saying: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club.
‘The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends.
‘Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten.’
Bates was the third-longest serving chairman at Chelsea before selling the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £140m.
More to follow
