2008 Belarusian Premier League


The 2008 Belarusian Premier League was the 18th season of top-tier football in Belarus. It started on April 6 and ended on November 16, 2008. BATE Borisov were the defending champions.

Team changes from 2007 season

Due to league expansion from 14 to 16 teams the only relegated team Minsk, who finished last in 2007, was replaced by three best teams of 2007 First League: Savit Mogilev, Granit Mikashevichi and Lokomotiv Minsk.

Overview

BATE Borisov won their 5th champions title and qualified for the next season's Champions League. The championship runners-up Dinamo Minsk, bronze medalists MTZ-RIPO Minsk and 2008–09 Cup winners Naftan Novopolotsk qualified for the inaugural tournament of Europa League. Due to decision to gradually reduce Premiere League to 12 clubs three lowest placed teams relegated to the First League. The two latter teams disbanded prior to 2009 season.

Teams and venues

TeamLocationVenueCapacityPosition in 2007
BATEBorisovCity Stadium (Borisov)5,3921
GomelGomelCentral Stadium14,3072
ShakhtyorSoligorskStroitel Stadium4,2003
TorpedoZhodinoCity Stadium 5,3924
MTZ-RIPOMinskTraktor Stadium17,6005
NemanGrodnoNeman Stadium6,3006
NaftanNovopolotskAtlant Stadium5,3007
VitebskVitebskVitebsky CSK8,3508
Dinamo MinskMinskDinamo Stadium40,0009
SmorgonSmorgonYunost Stadium3,20010
DaridaMinsk RaionDarida Stadium4,50011
Dinamo BrestBrestOSK Brestskiy10,08012
DneprMogilevTorpedo Stadium (Mogilev)3,50013
SavitMogilevTorpedo Stadium (Mogilev)3,500First league, 1
GranitMikashevichiOSK Brestskiy 10,080First league, 2
LokomotivMinskCity Stadium 4,800First league, 3