It was divided into four republican sub-leagues: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Middle Asia.
Nine clubs from each zones were promoted, the rest attained status of amateurs.
The league champions were: Russia – Motor Vladimir, Terek Grozny, Kord Balakovo, Sakhalin Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk; Ukraine – Khimik Severodonetsk; Kazakhstan – Tsementnik Semipalatinsk; Asia – Zarafshan Navoi from Zarafshan.
In 1990, the league was recreated to contain the nine regional zones that were previously a part of Soviet Second League, and an additional 10th zone (as well as replacement teams for those previously promoted were added).
Note: major reorganizations of the League system took place in 1970, before introduction of the UEFA Cup and All-European League ranking, and later in 1989, before fall of the Soviet Union.