About Ukrainian Premier League

The Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) is the highest level of professional football in Ukraine and serves as the top division of the country’s football league system. It was established in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, replacing the participation of Ukrainian clubs in Soviet competitions. The league was originally known as the Vyshcha Liha before adopting the Ukrainian Premier League name in 2008.

The inaugural season in 1992 brought together clubs that had previously competed in various Soviet football divisions. Over the years, the league became dominated by two major clubs, Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk, who won nearly every championship title. The only exception in the early era was Tavriya Simferopol, which won the first-ever Ukrainian championship.

The UPL has evolved into an independent organization that manages top-flight football in Ukraine and oversees qualification for European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Despite challenges caused by political and wartime circumstances, the league has continued operating and remains an important part of Ukrainian sport, maintaining its role in developing clubs, players, and national football culture.