Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin has died at the age of 36 after reportedly developing a severe form of malaria following a work trip to Nigeria.
Indeikin, an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), travelled to Abuja earlier in August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, which took place from August 1 to 8.
Russian media outlets, including Argumenty i Fakty (AIF), Izvestia and Lenta.ru, reported that his family and colleagues attributed his illness to his trip to Nigeria.
AIF, citing Indeikin’s father, Alexander, reported that the chess official travelled to Abuja before proceeding to Uzbekistan, where he began experiencing symptoms of illness.
According to the report, Indeikin later travelled from Uzbekistan to Moscow before continuing to Perm, where his condition deteriorated.
His father said an ambulance was eventually called and he was admitted to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
AIF also reported that Indeikin had been vaccinated before travelling to Nigeria, although his father said the vaccination was intended to reduce the risk rather than provide complete protection.
Meanwhile, Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, told Izvestia on August 24 that her son died from a severe form of malaria.
“He had already arrived. And he arrived in Perm. He was admitted to the hospital, it was too late. He had a very rapid-onset illness. The most severe form,” she was quoted as saying.
Lenta.ru and other Russian media also reported that Indeikin was bitten by a mosquito during his time in Nigeria and that the bite was suspected to have transmitted the malaria parasite.
Medical expert Professor Alexander Lukashev, quoted by AIF, explained that malaria can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito in Nigeria and other tropical regions.
However, FIDE has not independently confirmed malaria as the cause of Indeikin’s death.
The international chess governing body announced his death on August 23, describing it only as the result of a “sudden illness.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness,” FIDE said.
FIDE’s coverage of the Abuja championship confirmed Indeikin’s participation in the tournament, where he served among the officials involved in organising the event.
Indeikin had worked with FIDE since 2021 and contributed to the organisation of several major international chess events, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
FIDE described him as an important member of its operations team who travelled extensively to help organise major chess competitions around the world.
Indeikin is survived by his wife and daughter.
While his family and Russian media reports have linked his illness to severe malaria allegedly contracted during his trip to Nigeria, the specific medical cause of death has not been officially confirmed by FIDE.
Efforts are ongoing to obtain comments from the Nigeria Chess Federation on the circumstances surrounding his reported illness and death.
