Moscow/Perm, Russia – Sergei Indeikin (also spelled Sergey Indeykin), a 36-year-old Russian operations manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), has d!ed after contracting a severe form of malaria, which Russian media and family members link to a mosquito bite during a work trip to Nigeria earlier this month.
Indeikin travelled to Abuja in early August to serve as a FIDE official at the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, held from August 1 to 8. FIDE’s own coverage of the event confirmed his presence among the tournament officials.
According to reports from Russian outlets, including the business newspaper RBC citing his mother, Tatiana Indeykina, Indeikin contracted the disease during the assignment.
Family members and colleagues believe he was bitten by an infected mosquito while in Nigeria. After the tournament, he travelled to Uzbekistan for further work-related duties, where symptoms first appeared. His condition deteriorated sharply upon his return to the Russian city of Perm.
An ambulance was called, and he was admitted to hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved. His mother described the illness as “a very rapidly progressing illness. The most severe form.” FIDE announced his d3ath on August 23, stating only that he had died following a “sudden illness,” without specifying the cause.
Russian media, including Argumenty i Fakty (AIF) and Lenta.ru, reported that relatives and colleagues attributed the infection to the Nigeria trip.
Medical expert Professor Alexander Lukashev of Sechenov University noted that malaria can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito in Nigeria and other tropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Indeikin had worked on FIDE events since 2021 and contributed to the organisation of major international competitions, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates tournaments, and World Rapid and Blitz Championships. His role frequently required international travel. Outside chess, he also worked as a basketball agent.
A forensic medical examination is expected to provide a definitive confirmation of the cause of death. Malaria remains a significant health risk in many parts of Africa, and health authorities routinely advise travellers to use preventive measures such as antimalarial medication, insect repellents, and mosquito nets when visiting endemic areas.
FIDE and the wider chess community have expressed condolences over the sudden loss of a colleague who played an active role in organising high-level events.
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