Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates dies at 94

Published Jul 11, 01:25 PM UTC

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Ken Bates, the former owner of Chelsea and Leeds United football clubs, has died at the age of 94, as announced by Chelsea on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Bates was a prominent figure in English football, owning Chelsea from 1982 to 2003, during which he oversaw the club's transformation and the development of Stamford Bridge. He later owned Leeds United from 2005 to 2012. His death marks the end of an era for a controversial and influential football chairman. The BBC Sport report is a breaking news alert with further details to follow.

Source report

Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died at the age of 94.

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BBC SportWestern

Original headline: Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Bates dies aged 94

Original language: EN-GB

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Former Chelsea and Leeds United Owner Ken Bates Dies at 94

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Chelsea Leeds United Premier League