The 2006 Russian Premier League was the 15th season of the premier football competition in Russia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the 5th under the current Russian Premier League name. The season started on 17 March 2006 and ended on 26 November 2006. Defending champions CSKA Moscow claimed their second successive title on 18 November 2006 with an away win over Luch-Energiya Vladivostok. Spartak Moscow finished runners-up, level on points with CSKA but ranked behind due to fewer wins (see Tie-breaking criteria below). Lokomotiv Moscow finished third. Torpedo Moscow and Shinnik were relegated. It was the first time in Torpedo Moscow's history that the club was relegated.

Teams

As in the previous season, 16 teams played in the 2006 season. After the 2005 season, Alania Vladikavkaz and Terek Grozny were relegated to the 2006 Russian First Division. They were replaced by Luch-Energia Vladivostok and Spartak Nalchik, the winners and runners up of the 2005 Russian First Division.

Venues

Personnel and kits

Managerial changes

Tournament format and regulations

Based on paragraph 15.3 of the Russian Premier League regulations for the current season, if two or more teams are equal on points (without having the highest number), the positions of these teams are determined by: Based on paragraph 15.4 of the regulations, if two teams are equal on the highest number of points, the first position is determined by: Based on paragraph 15.5 of the regulations, if more than two teams are equal on the highest number of points, the first position and subsequent positions of these teams are determined by: 1The terms of this additional tournament are determined by the Russian Football Union and the governing body of the Russian Premier League based on suggestions from the participating clubs.

League table

Results

Season statistics

Top goalscorers

Statistics

Awards

Russian Football Union named Andrey Arshavin the best Premier League player of the season. Arshavin was also ranked best by major Russian sports newspapers, Sport-Express and Soviet Sports and became the Russian Footballer of the Year. On December 18, the Russian Football Union named its list of 33 top players:

Medal squads