Reid is to undergo chemotherapy treatment and the FFA has granted her indefinite absence of leave.

It comes after 10 days of intense pressure on Reid and the rest of the FFA board and executives over the process behind Stajcic's dismissal.

Reid last week angrily rejected any accusation that she was directly responsible for the veteran coach being axed just five months out from the Women's World Cup.

But it is understood there have been high-level questions asked about the part she played behind the scenes.

Reid is the former CEO of Capital Football in Canberra and was elected to the board at the November AGM with almost unanimous support from congress members.

Today the FFA confirmed her stepping down from the role after days of speculation, but even that wasn't without a hiccup.

A tweet linking to a statement was deleted within moments of it being sent, and the page it linked to was taken offline. A media release email reiterating the move was then sent 15 minutes later.

"The directors of Football Federation Australia today granted a request from fellow director, Heather Reid, for approval of an indefinite leave of absence from the Board," said the statement.

"The request is to enable Ms Reid to give full focus to her health and well-being following the requirement, after her election to the Board in November, to undergo chemotherapy treatment for a medical condition.

"In the circumstances, Heather has requested that the Members of FFA and the football community understand her decision to step aside and respect her and her family’s privacy at this challenging time."

FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said he extended FFA’s best wishes to Ms Reid and added: “Our thoughts are with Heather and her family and we wish her a full and speedy recovery” he said.