Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin, aged 36, has died 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.
FIDE confirmed that Indeikin was present at the Abuja tournament, which was held from August 1 to 8.
FIDE announced his death on August 23, describing it as the result of a sudden illness but did not publicly identify the illness.
However, Russian media reports and comments attributed to his family said he developed a rapidly progressing and severe form of malaria after returning from Nigeria.
Reports said Indeikin’s condition deteriorated rapidly after he returned home and that he subsequently died on August 23.
While the malaria account has been reported by Russian media and attributed to family members, FIDE has not independently confirmed malaria as the cause of death.
Indeikin had worked with FIDE since 2021 and was involved in organising major international chess competitions.