Ken Bates hails CPO decision

Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has described yesterday's vote by the Chelsea Pitch Owners to not allow the sale of Stamford Bridge as a "major triumph".

The Blues could only convince 62% of the CPO shareholders to vote for the proposal, while a 75% approval rating was needed.

"The new board thought they would be able to steamroller this through and they got it wrong," said Bates, now chairman at Leeds United.

"This is a major triumph for the loyal supporters. The club have been through so much and that's why I wanted Chelsea's future to be in the hands of their supporters."

Bates set up the CPO in 1993 to protect the Bridge's future.

The decision is seen as a success for many fans who are opposed to a move to a new stadium.