Due to reorganization by becoming a member of the newly established
Professional Football League of Ukraine, the Vyshcha Liha was reduced from 18 to 16 teams.
Promotions •
Vorskla Poltava, the champion of the
1995–96 Ukrainian First League –
(debut) Relegated teams •
Zorya Luhansk – relegated after five seasons in the top flight. •
Volyn Lutsk – relegated after five seasons in the top flight. •
SC Mykolaiv – relegated after two seasons in the top flight.
Reorganized clubs Before the start of the season, CSKA-Borysfen Kyiv was replaced with
CSKA Kyiv (
1995–96 Ukrainian Second League Group A winner). Just before the start of the new 1996–97 season, a scandal took place related to ownership. Concurrently, Mikhail Grinshpon was an adviser to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense
Oleksandr Kuzmuk.
Location ==Managers==