The Russian First League, often known as the FNL, serves as the second tier of professional football in Russia, sitting directly below the Russian Premier League. It is a crucial competition for clubs aspiring to reach the top flight and a battleground for established names seeking a swift return. The league operates under the jurisdiction of the Russian Football Union, with its headquarters in Moscow, and was founded in its current format in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet league system. Its main competition is a straightforward double round-robin regular season involving 18 teams. The league's primary characteristic is its role as a proving ground; promotion to the Premier League brings significant financial rewards and prestige, while relegation to the third-tier Russian Professional Football League (PFL) can be devastating. The champion and runner-up gain automatic promotion, while the teams finishing third through sixth enter a playoff for a third promotional spot. While it lacks the global star power of the top division, the FNL is fiercely competitive and closely followed domestically, with its matches often characterized by physical, direct football. The most important award is simply winning the league championship, though individual accolades like the league's MVP and top scorer are also highly valued by players looking to make their mark.