Wanderers confirmed the news at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, after it had been reporting by The Daily Telegraph in the morning.

Popovic handed in his resignation on Sunday, having only made his decision on Saturday.

The 44-year-old's new job is with Turkish Super Lig club Karabukspor where he will be head coach, with the ex-Socceroo revealing his desire to want to coach in Europe was a key factor.

Popovic is expected to arrive in Istanbul early this week, to join the club who are currently in the drop zone following four straight defeats.

The departure comes as a surprise, although the former Crystal Palace assistant has previously turned down offers from abroad before, including a reported bid from China.

The news emerges a week to the day that Wanderers are due to commence their A-League campaign against Perth Glory at Spotless Stadium.

Popovic has been Wanderers boss since the club's foundation in 2012, enjoying an impressive five years in charge that includes the 2014 AFC Champions League triumph.

Wanderers also won the 2012/13 A-League premiership and made three Grand Finals.