Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin, 36, has died 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 in early August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, held from August 1 to 8.
Russian media reported that Indeikin began feeling unwell after travelling from Nigeria to Uzbekistan before returning to Russia.
His condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly after he arrived in Perm, where he was hospitalised but later died.
His family attributed his illness to severe malaria, with his mother telling Russian media that the disease progressed rapidly and that he was admitted to hospital when it was already too late.
Other Russian reports said Indeikin was believed to have been bitten by a mosquito while attending the chess tournament in Nigeria.
FIDE confirmed his death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness”, but did not publicly identify malaria as the cause of death.
Indeikin had worked with FIDE since 2021 and was involved in organising major international chess events, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
However, the reported link between his death and malaria has not been independently confirmed by FIDE, and the Nigeria Chess Federation had yet to comment on the case.
