The Russian Premier League is the top division of Russian football. The first Russian championship was held in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. From 1992 to 1997 the championship was called the Top League, starting from 1998 - the Top Division. The Top Division was organized by the Professional Football League of Russia, while the current Premier League is created by the clubs and gives more independence to the teams.
The 1992 championship included 6 clubs that played in the Soviet Top League (CSKA Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Torpedo Moscow, Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Vladikavkaz, and Lokomotiv Moscow) and 14 clubs from lower divisions. The championship was reduced to 18 teams in 1993 and to 16 in 1994.
The Russian Premier League had always run from March to November due to snowy weather conditions in the country in winter. Yet this system will be changed in the season 2012/2013, as the league starts in autumn and finishes in spring. The transition to the system took place from 2011 to summer 2012.
The first two clubs receive qualification to the Champions League, the 3rd, 4th and 5th places take part in the Europa League. The clubs that finish bottom and second-bottom are relegated at the end of the season to the National League Championship.
Lately the Russian Premier League has stood out for ambitious transfers sponsored by wealthy clubs’ owners which could not but boost the level of performance in the championship.
Found a mistake? Highlight it with mouse and press CTRL + Enter. Thank you!
There is no content in this category.
There is no content in this category.
On the continent, some of really fine matches are played... |
Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk... |