Russian chess official dies of suspected malaria after Nigeria trip

Sergei Indeikin, a 36-year-old Russian chess official, has died from a suspected severe case of malaria following a work trip to Nigeria. Indeikin, who served as an operational manager and delegate for the International Chess Federation (FIDE), traveled to Abuja in early August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

“

shortly before his death, his son was on a business trip to Abuja, Nigeria. He then travelled to Uzbekistan, where he began to feel ill.

Russian media outlets, citing Indeikin's relatives and colleagues, reported that his infection was linked to his Nigerian trip. His father, Alexander, stated that his son began feeling ill after traveling from Uzbekistan to Moscow and then to Perm, where his condition worsened. FIDE colleagues described symptoms consistent with malaria, according to Alexander.

“

He travelled from Uzbekistan to Moscow, but didn’t stay in the capital, where his father lives, instead heading to Perm to join his mother. However, his condition worsened there. An ambulance was called for him, and he was hospitalised, but his condition could not be saved.

Despite receiving a vaccination before his trip, Indeikin's condition deteriorated rapidly. His mother, Tatiana, confirmed to Russian newspaper Izvestia that the cause of death was a severe form of malaria, noting the illness's rapid onset. Medical experts explained that malaria can be transmitted through mosquito bites in tropical regions like Nigeria.

“

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness.