Diallo, whose cause of death has not been revealed, joined the IOC in 1994 and served as a member of the Executive Board from 2003 to 2006.

He also served on a number of IOC Commissions, namely Sport for All in 1995, Radio and Television since 1996, IOC 2000 in 1999, Olympic Solidarity from 2002 to 2006 and International Relations since 2002, before becoming an honorary member upon his retirement in 2012.

His sports administration career also saw him leading Guinea's National Olympic Committee for 15 years and serving as a member of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa Executive Committee from 1986 to 1990, before becoming its President in 2001 - a position he held until 2005.

In addition, he was an Association of National Olympic Committees Executive Committee member and vice-president.

Alpha Ibrahim Diallo, pictured right, with former International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge in 2005 ©Getty Images


Outside of the sports world, he held several positions in the Guinean Government, including as Directeur de Cabinet to the Prime Minister, secretary general of the Communications Ministry and Minister of Communications and Culture, and served in diplomatic posts in North Africa and the Middle East.

He was also Guinea's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York from 1983 to 1985.

"Mr Diallo enjoyed playing football and basketball, and it was his passion for sport that led to his long career serving the Olympic Movement at home and abroad," read a statement from the IOC, which expressed its "deepest sympathies" to Diallo's family.

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