Sven-Goran Eriksson tragically denied dying wish - after former England manager passed away aged 76 following battle with pancreatic cancer

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Sven-Goran Eriksson has been tragically denied a dying wish to have his ashes scattered at his favourite beauty spot after local officials blocked the idea.

The former England manager died on August 26 at the age of 76 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, with countless tributes since paid to the Swede, including football clubs across the world paying their respects.

Eriksson revealed in January that he had 'best case a year' to live following his diagnosis, and he was surrounded by family as he passed away in Sunne, Sweden.

Last week, the footballing icon's funeral was held in Torsby and the event saw stars of the sport including David Beckham and Roy Hodgson join mourners in a heartfelt farewell in his hometown.

But Eriksson has now been denied his dying wish to have his ashes released into Lake Fryken - a 50-mile long body of water in southern Sweden, The Sun reports.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has been denied his wish to have his ashes scattered at a beauty spot 

The former England manager died on August 26 at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer 

He had hoped to have his ashes released into Lake Fryken - a 50-mile long body of water in southern Sweden

The former manager recently told an Amazon Prime documentary titled 'Sven': 'It's a beautiful place. It makes you calm, it makes me calm.

'My father grew up below the mountain. If you look straight ahead there is Torsby where I grew up, and in the other direction is Sunne where I was born.

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Sven-Goran Eriksson's final written words are published on the day before his funeral

'I have always thought it was a good place to sleep.

'My ashes can be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.'

Local council officials have dashed Eriksson's dreams, however, declaring that his family are not allowed to scatter his ashes in Lake Fryken.

The Swede's agent Bo Gustavsson said: 'We have not been allowed to scatter his ashes in Lake Fryken.'

The ex-manager's lawyer friend Anders Runebjer added: 'We have withdrawn our application to scatter his ashes. They will be buried in an urn instead.'

In March, Eriksson was afforded the chance to achieve a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool as he took charge of a team of former Reds players in a charity match at Anfield. Tributes were also paid to him inside the ground in just one example of the love he received upon the news of his illness breaking.

'The response from the public has been wonderful,' he wrote. 'It has given me energy and positivity. I have cried a lot over the past few months. They have been happy tears, mostly. I would like people to remember me as a decent coach who tried to do his best. I hope they enjoyed me being their manager.

'My message to everyone would be: don't give up. Never give up. Do not give up, is my message for life. And please don't forget this: life is always, always to be celebrated.'

The football world paid tribute to the former England boss since news of his passing broke

'Svennis', as he was known in Sweden, led a 'golden generation' of England players including David Beckham 

Eriksson led England at three major tournaments before losing in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final 

David Beckham, 49, was among those to attend Eriksson's funeral in Sweden last Friday

'Svennis', as he was known in Sweden, led a 'golden generation' of England players including David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

The father-of-two's children Lina and Johan praised him for having 'fought bravely with his illness' and said he 'fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors'.

Football Association patron Prince William, following his death, described him as a 'true gentleman of the game', while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised him for his 'tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years'.