Former chairman Ken Bates has died on the age of 94, the Premier League membership have introduced.
The Blues stated in a press release that Bates had “handed away peacefully in this morning surrounded by his spouse and household”.
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Bates famously purchased Chelsea for simply £1 in 1982 and oversaw the rise once more of the Second Division after inheriting money owed of £1.5m.
He would ultimately promote the membership to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £140m, with the membership again within the prime flight in a transfer that will ship the membership in direction of an unprecedented interval of success underneath the Russian billionaire. Bates remained as chairman for a spell, however quickly stepped down in 2024.
Bates turned the principal proprietor of in 2005 after a deal to amass 50 % of the membership and ran the membership for seven years earlier than its sale to GFH Capital in 2012.
Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates with Dennis Sensible in 2006 (PA)
A Chelsea assertion learn: “It’s with nice unhappiness that we share the information of the lack of Ken Bates, former proprietor and chairman of Chelsea Soccer Membership.
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“The membership sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s spouse Suzannah, the remainder of his household and his pals.
“Ken’s dedication to battle for Chelsea when occasions have been powerful, and drive the staff on to profitable trophies won’t ever be forgotten.”