Sydney FC released a club statement on the matter only a day after Arnold confirmed to media he had been shortlisted for the position after a phonecall from Football Federation Australia (FFA) on Thursday night.

FFA CEO David Gallop is understood to have flown to Europe over the weekend to interview the other candidates, but Arnold has pulled out of the race.

Arnold said: “I am committed to Sydney FC and 100 per cent focused on seeing out this season and winning two more trophies for this great club.

"I can confirm I will not be coaching the Socceroos in Russia.”

Arnold and the Sky Blues are on the cusp of history as they look to become the first club to win back-to-back A-League premierships, along with the season treble, having already won the FFA Cup.

Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said: “Graham will be our Head Coach here at Sydney FC until at least the end of this season.

"Beyond that, we look forward to continuing our discussions about our long-term plans together.

"Everyone at the club is focused on winning back to back A-League titles and embarking on our most successful Asian Champions League campaign ever.”

Meanwhile, ex-Netherlands and Saudi Arabia boss Bert van Marwijk confirmed he has been shortlisted for the role in the Dutch media.

"We are going to talk and see if we can make it work," van Marwijk told Fox Sports. "I know I'm on that list."