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 served as an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and travelled to Abuja earlier this month for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.
The tournament was held from August 1 to 8, with Indeikin listed among the officials involved in the competition.
FIDE later announced his death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness” without publicly identifying the medical condition.
Reports linking his death to malaria emerged afterward, with accounts indicating that he became seriously ill following his return from Nigeria.
His death at 36 has shocked the international chess community, with colleagues and the federation mourning an official who had been involved in organising and supporting international chess events.
The circumstances surrounding his illness and death remain subject to reports from his family and Russian media, while FIDE’s public announcement did not specify malaria as the cause of death.
