Stajcic told the The Advertiser he was no longer at the helm of the national team but no explanation was given for stunning departure.

The 45-year-old steadied the ship after a player revolt led to the sensational sacking of Hesterine de Reus in 2014 and has overseen the emergence of the Matildas as a world force.

He two-time W-League coach of the Year took the Aussies to a record-high 4th in the FIFA World rankings (currently 6th) as well as the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Social media was rife with speculation about Stajcic's exit with some pointing to a poor culture within the team.

Just this week the celebrated coach spoke with TWG podcast about the rise of women's football and changing the way the game is perceived.

Stajcic: Matildas can raise Australian football's standards

More to come.