 Bates sold Chelsea to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003 |
Leeds chairman Ken Bates has escaped a misconduct charge for his derogatory comments about former club Chelsea. The Premiership champions had lodged an official complaint with the Football Association accusing Bates of bringing the game into disrepute.
Chelsea said Leeds chairman Bates had made "rude, insulting and inappropriate comments" in a dispute between the clubs over three young players.
But the FA has now confirmed Bates has no case to answer.
In early August Leeds made a formal complaint to the Football League, which was then referred to the FA, over three alleged illegal approaches by Chelsea.
The players involved are Michael Woods, Tom Taiwo and Danny Rose.
Bates claimed the Blues signed youngsters Woods and Taiwo after making illegal approaches. He added that Chelsea failed in their attempts to sign a third teenager, Rose.
In June 2005, Chelsea were fined �300,000 and given a suspended three-point deduction by the Premier League following an investigation into claims that they had 'tapped up' Arsenal defender Ashley Cole.
Cole and Blues manager Jose Mourinho were each fined �75,000 for their part in the affair.
Bates sold Chelsea to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003.
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