Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates dies at 94
What's new: Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 and later sold the club in 2003 as Roman Abramovich took control.
Ken Bates, the former owner of Chelsea and Leeds United and a divisive figure in English soccer, has died at 94. Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 when the club was in financial trouble and remained in charge for more than two decades before selling to Roman Abramovich in July 2003. He later became principal owner of Leeds United in 2005 and left in 2013. During his time at Chelsea, the club rose from crisis to become a domestic and European contender, while Bates also played a prominent role in plans to rebuild Wembley Stadium. His years in the sport were marked by repeated disputes, including his failed attempt to install an electric fence at Stamford Bridge in 1985.