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 [REF].