Ken Bates, who owned Chelsea and Leeds, dies at 94

Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, Chelsea announced on Saturday. The club confirmed the news, marking the end of a long and controversial career in English football. Bates was also owner and chairman at Leeds, where he later took charge after his time at Stamford Bridge. According to BBC, he was remembered for both his transformative role at Chelsea and his tumultuous tenure at Elland Road. Sky News reported that his death was confirmed by the club. Bates's ownership of Chelsea spanned from 1982 to 2003, during which he oversaw the club's move to Stamford Bridge's current form and its transition into a Premier League force. He later sold the club to Roman Abramovich. At Leeds, his reign from 2005 to 2013 was marked by financial struggles and fan unrest. The Yorkshire Post noted the confirmation of his passing, while Express and Star and Ireland Live also reported his death and his dual ownership roles.

4 sources

BBCFormer Chelsea and Leeds owner Bates dies aged 94Sky NewsFormer Chelsea owner Ken Bates diesExpress and StarFormer Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates dies aged 94Yorkshire PostKen Bates: Former Leeds United and Chelsea owner dies at the age of 94