At the top of Russia’s First Division table, four clubs hold a clear claim to reach the playoffs that decide who earns a place in the next season of the Russian Premier League (RPL). These teams are pursuing license rights from the Russian Football Union (RFU), which, according to a source familiar with the process, grants licenses that authorize participation in higher levels under the competition labeled as the “Championship.” Licensing acts as a gatekeeper for upward movement, ensuring clubs meet defined standards before they can compete for promotion in the following season.
Officials familiar with the situation say Rodina, Yenisei, Volgar, and Tula Arsenal are expected to obtain the necessary licenses. Once granted, these clubs will enter the playoff framework, securing a formal route to challenge for promotion. The licensing decision is a pivotal moment that can alter the playoff lineup and, in turn, shift the competitive balance of the league in the near term.
Meanwhile, the RFU has indicated that some clubs will not receive the licenses needed to participate in higher-league competition. Alania Vladikavkaz and Dynamo Makhachkala are not anticipated to obtain licenses, a determination reflecting the RFU’s licensing criteria and the current administrative assessment of each club’s readiness and compliance with required standards.
Under the competition regulations, clubs finishing from third to sixth place on the First Division table qualify to enter the playoff process. This setup creates a clear path for mid-table teams to pursue promotion while underscoring the importance of consistency across the season. The playoffs will test form and resilience in a high-stakes knockout format, translating regular-season performance into advancement toward the RPL.
The playoff ties between Russian Premier League clubs and First Division contenders for a shot at the RPL in the 2023/24 season are scheduled for June 6 and June 9. These fixtures are moments of decisive action where tactics, squad depth, and experience are put to the test under pressure. The outcomes will reshape the league’s landscape for the upcoming campaign, signaling which teams will enjoy top-tier football next season and which will need to regroup and rebuild for another chance at promotion.
Earlier reports noted that Rubin Kazan’s leadership had confirmed a substantial bonus plan for the squad, detailing a 40-million ruble incentive for clinching the First League title. This announcement highlights the financial stakes attached to promotion and the broader incentive structures that motivate clubs to push for success as the season heads into its crucial stages. The prospect of a significant payout adds another layer of motivation for players and staff as the regular season progresses toward its critical phases.
As the campaign moved past week 31, Rubin Kazan found itself in second place with 62 points, just two behind Baltika Kaliningrad. The slim gap increased the suspense in the closing weeks, with both clubs jockeying for position and the best possible seed in the playoffs. The tight race shows how every match outcome matters when the rewards include a potential rise to the Premier League and the financial and competitive benefits that come with it.