The 2008 Division 1 was contested by 28 teams divided into two groups geographically. Syrianska FC and FC Trollhättan won their respective groups, and thereby were promoted to Superettan for the 2009 season. Vasalunds IF who finished second in the northern group were also promoted after winning their playoff.

Ettan Fotboll, or simply Ettan, which also is its common name in everyday speech, is the third level in the Swedish football league system and consists of 32 Swedish football teams. It was formerly simply known as Division 1. Division 1 was the second tier from 1987 to 1999, but was replaced by Superettan in 2000. It was reestablished for the 2006 season as the third tier below Superettan.