Rafael Urazbakhtin has left his post as head coach of FC Kairat. The specialist resigned on his own initiative, and the management of the Almaty club accepted his application. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Kairat announced Urazbakhtin's departure on 26 October – the day after the match against Aktobe, which ended in a 2:2 draw. The loss of points deprived the Almaty side of mathematical chances to defend the championship title: with one round left in the KPL, the gap to Ordabasy was four points. The Shymkent club became Kazakhstan champion early.
At the same time, Kairat's official statement does not specify the reasons for Urazbakhtin's decision. The club emphasized that the initiative came from the coach himself.
Urazbakhtin took charge of Kairat's first team in September 2024. Already in his first season under his leadership, the Almaty side became champions of Kazakhstan.
In 2025, Kairat won the country's Super Cup, defended the championship title and for the first time in its history reached the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
In the 2026 season, the team qualified for the league phase of the Conference League, but finished second in the KPL.
"FC Kairat expresses its sincere gratitude to Rafael Radikovich for his work, professionalism and invaluable contribution to the club's history. We wish him success in his further career," the club's statement says.
Zhorah Arutyunyan, who previously worked with Kairat-Zhastar, has been appointed acting head coach.
Under his leadership, the team will prepare for the final championship match against Altai, which will take place on 31 October in Almaty.