Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin has died at the age of 36 after reportedly developing severe malaria following a work-related trip to Nigeria.
Indeikin, who served as an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), travelled to Abuja in early August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held from August 1 to 8.
Russian media reports, citing members of his family, said Indeikin became seriously ill after leaving Nigeria for Uzbekistan.
According to Argumenty i Fakty, his father, Alexander, said his son began experiencing symptoms while in Uzbekistan.
Indeikin subsequently travelled to Moscow and later went to Perm, where his mother lived.
His health reportedly deteriorated quickly, leading his family to call an ambulance. He was taken to hospital but could not be saved.
His father reportedly said Indeikin had received a vaccination before travelling to Nigeria as a precaution, although he was aware that it did not offer complete protection against malaria.
Meanwhile, Izvestia quoted Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, as saying her son contracted malaria while working and developed a severe form of the disease.
She said his condition deteriorated rapidly over roughly two weeks and that doctors were unable to save him by the time he was hospitalised.
Other Russian media reports alleged that Indeikin was bitten by a mosquito while attending the chess tournament in Abuja, with the bite suspected of transmitting the malaria parasite.
FIDE announced his death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness” without identifying the specific medical condition.
The federation said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness.”
FIDE records confirmed Indeikin’s involvement in the Abuja championship, where he worked among the officials responsible for organising the competition.
He joined FIDE in 2021 and subsequently contributed to several major international chess events, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments, as well as World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
FIDE described Indeikin as a valued member of its operations team who travelled extensively to help organise major chess competitions around the world.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Although his family and Russian media reports have attributed his death to severe malaria reportedly contracted during his Nigeria trip, FIDE has not independently confirmed malaria as the cause of death, stating only that he died following a sudden illness.
