Shaidorov issues new statement amid unpaid wages controversy

Mikhail Shaidorov commented on the controversy surrounding delayed salary payments, an unsigned contract and questions about his preparations for the new season. The Olympic champion thanked the people of Kazakhstan for their support and said he did not want the situation to become a public conflict, but could not allow his name to be «dragged through the mud.»

Honors certificate still not received

According to Shaidorov, he still has not received his Honored Master of Sports certificate, despite meeting the requirements in 2025 by winning a silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships.

«I completed all the required paperwork, but I still haven’t received the certificate. It’s not that I need a red-carpet ceremony — I’d be happy to receive it in an envelope by mail. This certificate is the result of 10 years of work, my achievement and my legacy,» the athlete wrote on Threads.

Olympic bonus not in dispute

Shaidorov clarified that he has no complaints regarding payment of his Olympic gold medal bonus. He said he understands the process takes time and is confident work is underway. Under Kazakh law, he is entitled to a $250,000 government payment for winning gold at the 2026 Olympics.

Salary delays remain key issue

The figure skater said his main concern is his salary. According to Shaidorov, like many elite athletes in Kazakhstan, he receives payments from both the respective federation and the Sports Development Directorate.

He said a contract had been signed with the federation, but payments were delayed because the Sports Support Fund was still reviewing a funding application. As a result, Shaidorov and his team have reportedly gone five months without salaries.

At the same time, the Sports Development Directorate paid his salary for January and the period through Feb. 22, 2026, he said. However, discussions about a new contract only began in mid-May.

Dispute centers on Olympic clause

Shaidorov denied reports that the contract dispute was related to compensation or his refusal to participate in events. Instead, he said the disagreement centered on a clause in the contract, which runs through the end of 2026 and allegedly requires him to win a medal at the 2030 Olympics.

«My team and I were only contacted in mid-May to discuss a new contract for 2026, and I have correspondence confirming this,» he wrote. «The contract hasn’t been agreed upon, but not because I disagree with the fee or refuse to participate, as some are claiming. The contract, which runs through the end of 2026, includes an obligation to win a medal at the 2030 Olympics. My team and I simply asked for this clause to be reconsidered from a legal standpoint because it is illogical and impossible.»

Shaidorov said neither he nor his team received any further communication after raising concerns about the clause. Given the circumstances, he suggested that salary payments, contract negotiations and other organizational matters may have been intentionally delayed.

Concerns over training preparations

Shaidorov also responded to criticism that he had made the issue public intentionally.

«I didn’t go into the interview planning to raise this issue,» he said. «But I was asked about it, and I answered truthfully. I can’t lie.»

The skater noted that he is scheduled to begin a training camp June 5, but there is still no clarity regarding funding for his program, training camps and travel expenses.

«Believe me, if I had already received my Olympic gold medal payments, I would have organized my preparations myself and would not have raised this issue publicly,» he said. «But I believe everyone should do their job. I’m an athlete, and my job is to train three times a day, which is exactly what I do.»