The Russian First Division 2008 was the 17th edition of Russian First Division. There were 22 teams.
15 clubs placed 3–17 in Russian First Division 2007, 2 clubs relegated from Russian Premier League 2007 and 5 zone winners from Russian Second Division 2007 took part in the league:
On 23 October 2008 FC Zvezda Irkutsk had to stop participation in the league due to lack of funds, their main sponsor Interavia airlines is having financial problems at the time. Zvezda failed to fulfil four last fixtures.
Source: PFL
Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd matches won; 3rd head-to-head (points, matches won, goal difference, goals scored, away goals scored); 4th goal difference; 5th goals scored; 6th away goals scored
1 Zvezda Irkutsk deducted 18 points for failing to pay for player transfers.
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (E) = Eliminated; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
Only applicable when the season is not finished:
(Q) = Qualified to the phase of tournament indicated; (TQ) = Qualified to tournament, but not yet to the particular phase indicated; (RQ) = Qualified to the relegation tournament indicated; (DQ) = Disqualified from tournament.
MD = Matchday
Last updated: 3 November 2008
1-Zvezda were unable to play these matches and were awarded to the opposing team 3–0.