Reports broke out of China this afternoon, where the former Newcastle star is playing for Beijing Enterprises, that he had been taken ill after training.
It appears he was subsequently rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Beijing Enterprises have yet to make a statement on Tiote’s health.
But a spokesman for the player has announced he has died.
Emanuele Palladino said: “It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises.
“We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time.
“We ask for all your prayers.”
Tiote’s former team-mate at Newcastle, Demba Ba, tweeted: “may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote.” He included six crying emojis in his post.
Tiote made his professional debut for Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to FC Twente three years later.
The defensive midfielder then secured a £3.5million switch to Newcastle in 2010.
He remained at the Magpies for seven years – his sole Premier League goal coming in the 4-4 draw against Arsenal in February 2011.
Tiote made just 22 appearances of Newcastle’s Premier League relegation campaign in 2015/16.
He remained on the periphery of manager Rafa Benitez’s plans at the start of last season and played just three times before heading to China.
His last game for the Toon was in a 3-1 win over Birmingham in January.
Tiote’s former team-mate at Newcastle, Stephen Harper, tweeted: “Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheik Tiote today. Thoughts with his friends and family.”
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