1988 Soviet First League

The 1988 Soviet First League was the 49th season of the second tier of association football in the Soviet Union.

Promoted teams

 * SC Tavriya Simferopol – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of 3 seasons)
 * FC Kuban Krasnodar – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of a season)
 * FC Zvezda Perm – Winner of the Second League finals (returning after an absence of 8 seasons)

Relegated teams

 * CSKA Moscow – (Returning after a season)
 * FC Guria Lanchkhuti – (Returning after a season)