Russian FIDE Official Dies at 36 After Reportedly Bitten By Mosquitoes Following Nigeria Trip.

By Mohammed Idris shaaba ✔

Russian FIDE Official Dies at 36 After Reported Severe Malaria Following Nigeria Trip

A 36-year-old Russian chess official, Sergei Indeikin, has died following a sudden illness reportedly linked to severe malaria after a work trip to Nigeria.

Indeikin, an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), was in Abuja for the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, held from August 1 to 8, 2026. FIDE records confirm that he served as a delegate at the Abuja tournament. 

FIDE announced his death on August 23, describing it as a “sudden illness” but did not officially disclose the medical cause of death. 

However, Russian media reports citing members of Indeikin's family and other sources reported that he developed a severe form of malaria following his trip to Nigeria.

According to reports, Indeikin left Nigeria for Uzbekistan after the chess championship, where he reportedly began experiencing symptoms. His condition subsequently deteriorated after he returned to Russia through Moscow and travelled to his hometown of Perm.

He was later admitted to a hospital in Perm, but doctors were unable to save him. Russian reports said his illness progressed rapidly and was described by his mother as an extremely severe form.

Indeikin had been involved in FIDE events since 2021 and worked behind the scenes at major international chess competitions, including World Championships, World Cups, Candidates tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz events. FIDE described him as a reliable professional who made significant contributions to the organisation of international tournaments. 

The reports linking his death to malaria have not, however, been independently confirmed by FIDE. The international chess body has so far maintained that he died following a sudden illness.

Indeikin is survived by his wife and daughter.