Pervaya Liga (Soviet Union)

The Pervaya Liga (Первая лига in Russian, meaning "First League") was the second-highest tier of Soviet football, below the Vysshaya Liga (Top League). It existed from 1936 to 1991, encompassing the entire Soviet era. Throughout its history, the Pervaya Liga served as a vital feeder league for the Vysshaya Liga, providing a pathway for promising clubs to advance and a safety net for those relegated from the top flight.

The league's structure and the number of participating teams varied considerably over the decades. Typically, it consisted of several teams from different regions of the Soviet Union, reflecting the diverse geographical spread of footballing talent. Promotion and relegation between the Pervaya Liga and the Vysshaya Liga were regular occurrences, making the competition intense and closely followed.

Winning the Pervaya Liga did not guarantee automatic promotion to the Vysshaya Liga. The specific rules regarding promotion and relegation were adjusted periodically. Some seasons saw only the champion promoted, while others allowed for multiple teams to move up, or even required promotion/relegation playoffs against teams from the Vysshaya Liga.

The Pervaya Liga played a significant role in the development of Soviet football, providing a competitive environment for clubs outside the major metropolitan areas and contributing to the overall growth and popularity of the sport across the Soviet Union. Its dissolution coincided with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, leading to the formation of independent national leagues in the successor states.