Voronezh’s Fakel secured a 0-0 draw away to SKA-Khabarovsk in the 33rd round of the First League (Paris League), clinching promotion back to the Russian Premier League (RPL) with two matches to spare.
With 65 points, Fakel tops the standings and is now unreachable for third-placed Ural from Yekaterinburg, who have 58 points and only two games remaining. This marks a swift return to the top flight for the club, which had been relegated after finishing last (16th) in the previous RPL season.
The top two teams in the First League earn direct promotion. Moscow’s Rodina, with 62 points, currently sits second, while Ural trails close behind. On Friday, Rodina will host Chelyabinsk; a win would secure their place in the next RPL campaign.
Earlier, TASS reported that the Russian Football Union had granted licenses to Fakel, Rodina, Ural, and fourth-placed Rotor from Volgograd for participation in the upcoming RPL season.