“Our club has lost not only a great professional but above all a good man, a friend, and a sportsman who, with his knowledge, energy and nobility has left a deep mark on the hearts of all who knew him,” his club said in a statement.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association said its “football community has lost another true football professional” with his passing.

“During his rich playing career, Zizovic played for numerous clubs in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most notably HSK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and he also wore the jersey of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team,” it said.

“After ending his playing career, he dedicated himself to coaching, leading clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

“His untimely passing represents a great loss for Bosnian-Herzegovinian football.”

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) said: “Your love for football and the mark you left will remain with us forever.”

Leading clubs also paid tribute, including Red Star Belgrade, who passed on their “deepest condolences”.