“Bukovyna” is champion, “Chornomorets” returns to the UPL, “Vorskla” disappears from the football map - First League results

Today, June 1, the final 30th round of the Ukrainian First League football season 2025/2026 concluded. Based on the results, Bukovyna Chernivtsi became champions, Chornomorets Odesa returns to the Ukrainian Premier League after one year, and Ahrobiznes Khmelnytskyi along with the capital's Livyi Bereh will compete for promotion to the top division against UPL representatives, UNN reports. 

Details 

Back in early May, it became known that Bukovyna Chernivtsi secured the championship four rounds before the end of the season. Following the 30 rounds, Bukovyna earned 25 victories, three draws, and lost only once, finishing in first place with 78 points. 

However, until the end of the championship, the second place, which grants a direct ticket to the UPL, remained undecided. Heading into the 29th round, Chornomorets held second place (62 points), with Livyi Bereh (60 points) breathing down their necks. 

It should be noted that last season both teams left the UPL. Chornomorets finished in last place, while Livyi Bereh failed to beat Metalist 1925 in the playoffs — losing 1:0 twice. 

Today, the "Sailors" secured a victory in their match against Metalist thanks to a penalty goal by Vladyslav Herych (1:0). This victory allowed the Odesa side to take second place in the championship with 65 points and return directly to the UPL. 

"I want to acknowledge all the employees of Chornomorets who worked on the task of returning to the UPL. Starting from the management, which did a powerful job, and I must note this. There were many correct decisions. The intentions are to have perfect order in everything. There is no doubt that all issues will be resolved. There are reasons to believe in the best. Many players' contracts are expiring. Within 7-10 days, we will say who stays and with whom we will not renew contracts. The management is set on strengthening the team before the UPL," 

The UPL also welcomed Chornomorets' return to the top division. 

"This is a great victory that became possible thanks to the hard work of the entire club — players, coaching staff, management, and personnel. Your path is an example of how determination, stability, and faith in your cause can lead to the highest results. We congratulate FC Chornomorets on gaining the right to compete in the UPL in the 2026/27 season. We wish the Odesa club exciting matches, new victories, and sustainable development both on and off the field," 

Meanwhile, Livyi Bereh, despite winning their match against Inhulets 3:1, finished only in third place with 63 points and will play in the promotion playoffs along with Ahrobiznes. 

Earlier, UNN reported that football club Oleksandriya is leaving the Ukrainian Premier League and being relegated to the First League after a defeat to Zorya Luhansk. Prior to this, SK Poltava became the first team to leave the UPL. 

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However, it recently became known that Oleksandriya avoided direct relegation from the Ukrainian Premier League and will participate in the playoff matches instead of Rukh Lviv, which was excluded from the elite division. 

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According to the draw results, it became known that the UPL representative — Kudrivka, which finished 13th in the top division — will play in the playoffs against Ahrobiznes. Oleksandriya will face Livyi Bereh. The first matches will take place on June 5, and the return legs will be held on June 9. 

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In addition, it became known today that Vorskla Poltava, which was relegated from the UPL last season and finished 13th in the First League this season, was denied admission to the Professional Football League of Ukraine club competitions for the 2026/2027 season.

"Despite all efforts to complete the PFL First League 2025/2026 competition, during the football club certification procedure, Vorskla was denied admission to the PFL club competitions for the 2026/2027 season regarding compliance with the financial criteria of the UAF Regulations on the certification of football clubs of the Professional Football League of Ukraine. Unfortunately, due to a significant volume of debt obligations that arose and accumulated starting from 2021, our club was unable to confirm the financial criteria and obtain a license to participate in football competitions. Despite everything, there remains the possibility of carrying out restructuring measures for financial recovery, process optimization, and searching for potential investors and sponsors, with the possibility of obtaining a license to participate in PFL competitions for the 2027/2028 season," 

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