Leeds United issue condolences after death of former owner Ken Bates

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·12 July 2026

Former Leeds United owner Ken Bates died on Saturday morning aged 94, and the club have offered their condolences.

The club said in a statement that their thoughts were with his family, friends and former colleagues at a difficult time.

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News of his passing emerged on Saturday afternoon.

Bates became Leeds owner in January 2005 and served as chairman for eight and a half years.

He stepped down after the sale of the club to GFH Capital in July 2013.

The statement concluded with a simple message, 'Rest in peace'.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk