A 36-year-old Russian chess official has died after reportedly developing a severe illness following a trip to Nigeria.
Sergei Indeikin worked as an operational manager and delegate for the International Chess Federation, FIDE.
He travelled to Abuja in August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.
The tournament was held from August 1 to 8. Indeikin later left Nigeria for Uzbekistan after the event.
His health reportedly began to worsen during his journey back to Russia. He eventually returned to his hometown of Perm.
FIDE confirmed his death on August 23. However, the organisation described it only as a “sudden illness.”
Russian media reports later linked his condition to severe malaria. The reports reportedly cited his parents and medical sources.
His mother, Tatiana, described the illness as “very rapidly progressing” and said it was “the most severe form.”
His father, Alexander, reportedly said colleagues believed malaria may have caused the illness.
Other reports claimed Indeikin may have been bitten by an infected mosquito during his stay in Nigeria.
He was later admitted to a hospital in Perm, where doctors reportedly tried to save his life.
However, FIDE has not independently confirmed malaria as the cause of death. The official cause therefore remains unconfirmed.
Indeikin’s death has reportedly left behind his wife and daughter.
