Ken's determination to fight for 'Chelsea' in difficult times and…
Ken's determination to fight for 'Chelsea' in difficult times and lead the team to victories will never be forgotten. Ken Bates acquired 'Chelsea' in 1982 for a nominal sum of one pound sterling and remained at the helm of the club for more than 20 years.
Consensus
- Kenneth Bates died on July 11, 2024, at the age of 94.
- Bates purchased Chelsea Football Club in 1982.
- Bates sold Chelsea to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for approximately £140 million.
- The club expressed deep sorrow over his death and acknowledged his determination during difficult times.
- Under Bates' ownership, Chelsea won two FA Cups (1997, 2000), the League Cup (1998), the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1998), and the UEFA Super Cup (1998).
- Bates remained in leadership of the club for over 20 years.
- He died in Monaco surrounded by family.
Points of divergence
- Bates bought Chelsea for £1.5 million and paid off previous debts amounting to £1.5 million. — vm
- Bates bought Chelsea for £1, which was due to the club's financial difficulties and poor performance in the second division. — kommersant
- Bates bought Chelsea for £1 million and paid off previous debts of £1.5 million. — fontanka
- Bates bought Chelsea for a symbolic amount of £1, which was due to the club's financial difficulties. — vesti
- Abramovich intended to use part of the proceeds from selling Chelsea to support wounded Russian military personnel. — vm
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed he urged Abramovich during a secret meeting in Kyiv to hand over £2.4 billion obtained from the sale of Chelsea to Ukraine. — vm
Coverage (4 sources)
- Kenneth Bates, Former Owner of Chelsea Sold to Abramovich, Dies at Age 94 — Вечерняя Москва
- Former Chelsea owner Ken Bates has died — Коммерсантъ
- Former owner of Chelsea, who sold the club to Abramovich, has died — Фонтанка
- Former Chelsea owner Ken Bates dies at age 94 — Вести