According to a statement, Rafikov "suddenly lost consciousness" at the end of the working day.

Those working alongside Rafikov at the time attempted to bring him round before calling a medical staff member, who administered first aid.

It was soon after that an ambulance arrived where paramedics spent 40 minutes, according to the statement, attempting to resuscitate him.

"Based on the first medical assessment carried out by the ambulance team, the death was caused by a cardiovascular collapse," read the statement.

"The exact cause of the death will later be determined by forensic autopsy."

His colleagues paid tribute to Rafikov today and expressed "their deep condolences" to his family.

This follows the news that Risto Nieminen, an International University Sports Federation (FISU) honourable member, was taken to hospital following a heart attack on Monday (January 30).

"He felt bad yesterday," said Nail Nurov, general director of the Almaty 2017 Organising Committee, during a media briefing yesterday.

"Unfortunately, it turned to be a heart attack.

"He was admitted to hospital and had a surgery, which was successful.

"He is now in general department.

"Doctors have positively evaluated his physical condition after the surgery and he may be discharged tomorrow or the day after."