Ken Bates, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club who is known for buying the club for £1 in 1982, has died at the age of 94. Multiple outlets report that he died peacefully in Monaco on Saturday morning, surrounded by his wife and family. Bates acquired Chelsea at a time when the club was struggling financially and operating in England’s second tier, according to NDTV. Following the purchase, he injects money into the club and oversees its progress back to the top flight. NDTV states Chelsea returns to the top division in 1984 under his ownership. Other reports focus on the circumstances of the transaction and the location and manner of his death, with tributes mentioned across coverage. The reports present Bates as a significant figure in Chelsea’s ownership history, particularly for the low purchase price at the time of acquisition. There is no additional detail in the provided sources about the cause of death or further roles after his tenure.