The Swedish official died age 48 following a period of illness.

Åhlund chaired the FIB Rules and Referees Committee between 2011 and 2014, and served in the same position at the Swedish Bandy Association (RDK) for eight years.

Tributes have been led by Olle Modin, the current head of the committee.

"I myself had the great pleasure of working with him during this period and I, like many others, will always remember his fine leadership characterised by respect and great expertise in refereeing," Modin said.

"It was with great pain that we received this tragic news and the missing is endless."

Nicknamed "Pelle", the official attended several Bandy World Cups and refereed numerous matches at the top level in Sweden.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

"I was privileged to develop in my judging by Pelle's very wise and calm advice," said RDK chairman Håkan Sjösten.

"It is with great pain we from RDK write these lines and the lack of you Pelle will be cruel for us to bear."