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The structure of the league included a second tier from the outset and introduced a third tier in 1971. Dominating clubs, such as Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, and CSKA Moscow, emerged, ultimately intertwining sports with prominent institutions like the police, trade unions, and the military, respectively. The nexus between football and national identity became apparent as these teams represented not just athletic endeavors, but also collective aspirations and allegiances.