Russian footballer Alena Trushkina has died in a car crash ©FISU

International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Oleg Matytsin has extended "deepest sympathies" to the family of 22-year-old Russian footballer Alena Trushkina, who has been killed in a car accident.

Trushkina was an integral part of the Siberian Federal University team, one of eight women’s teams that participated in FISU’s University World Cup tournament in Jinjiang, China from November 21 November to December 1.

Just two days after the conclusion of the tournament, Trushkina died in a car accident on the Chelyabinsk-Novosibirsk highway in Russia, after a fatal collision with a truck.

"This is very shocking and tragic news,” said Matytsin.

"FISU expresses its deepest sympathies to the family of Alena Trushkina.

"We have lost a bright young star who was full of hope and promise for the future.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.”

Tributes have been paid to Alena Trushkina, pictured in the centre of the back row with the Siberian Federal University team ©FISU
Tributes have been paid to Alena Trushkina, pictured in the centre of the back row with the Siberian Federal University team ©FISU

Eric Saintrond, secretary general and chief executive of FISU, added: "It is a deeply personal loss for FISU.

"Our student athletes make us who we are and each one of them is precious to us.

"Particularly because she had participated in our tournament just a few days ago, we feel the loss even more.

"It is an immense tragedy for someone so young to lose their life.

"In this hour of grief, we offer our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and teammates.”

In addition to the University team, Trushkina had been a member of several Russian first division clubs such as Omsk FC Irtysh, WFC Ufa and the Yenisei sports club.

She had been a member of the Siberian Federal University Team that won the  national indoor title.