The principal ballet dancer with Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre claims he is being forced out of the troupe over allegations that he was part of an acid attack that nearly blinded its artistic director.

Nikolai Tsiskaridze, 39, has been told he must leave at the end of the month amidst claims by Bolshoi director Anatoly Iksanov that he may have been involved in the attack on Sergei Filin.

The acid hit, which took place in January, left Mr Filin with severe burns to his face and eyes.

Mr Tsiskaridze has denied all allegations, claiming he is the victim of a smear campaign.

Mr Tsiskaridze’s relationship with Mr Iksanov soured sharply after the Bolshoi director suggested that the Georgia-born dancer might have played a role inciting the attack.

The principal dancer has now been told that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of June, Bolshoi spokeswoman Katerina Novikova said, but refused to give the reason for the decision.