AFC / where the money moved

The AFC is the Asian Football Confederation — Asia's soccer confederation, running the sport from Lebanon to Japan, plus Australia. Think of it as one of FIFA's six regional conferences — and yes, Australia really did switch conferences in 2006 for a tougher schedule. Its clubs chase the Champions League Elite (with its March-Madness-style host-city finals); its nations chase the Asian Cup and an expanded slate of eight-plus World Cup places. The Saudi Pro League's spending spree has made this the sport's fastest-moving money story.