European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen is in hospital after suffering a stroke ©Getty Images

Svein Arne Hansen, the President of European Athletics, is in hospital after suffering a stroke.

European Athletics chief executive Christian Milz issued a statement on the governing body's website, saying Hansen was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week and that a detailed prognosis of his recovery was not yet known.

"I have no doubt that Svein Arne’s countless friends around the world share the deep concern of the European Athletics family, including the Council and headquarters staff, as we monitor developments", the statement said.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, Jannicke, their children and grandchildren, at this time."

Hansen, 73, was elected to serve a second term as President in April last year.

The Norwegian is also a member of the World Athletics Council and chairman of the multi-sport European Championships 2022 Board.

The European Athletics Executive Board is to hold a conference call next week to discuss how the President's duties can be shared while he is unable to carry them out, according to the statement from Milz.

"European Athletics will publish updates on President Hansen’s health in due course but request that his privacy, and that of his family, is respected at this time in order to aid his recovery and make it as quick as possible", finished the statement.