Ken's determination to fight for 'Chelsea' in difficult times and… (челси · бейтс · кен)
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