2001 Russian Top Division

won their sixth consecutive Russian title, and ninth overall.
However, the season was overshadowed by the death of CSKA and Ukraine goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun, when he clashed heads with Anzhi striker Budun Budunov during the round 22 match against them on 18 August. Both players were injured, and Perkhun died from a brain haemorrhage caused by the collision on 28 August in the age of 23, 10 days after the match against Anzhi.