Leeds United pay tribute 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. The club have paid tribute.

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

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Bates became Leeds owner in January 2005.

He served as chairman for eight and a half years, stepping down after the sale to GFH Capital in July 2013.

News of his death emerged on Saturday afternoon.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk