FFA chief executive David Gallop will resign from his role at the end of the year.

Key points: Gallop will step down as FFA chief executive on December 31

Gallop will step down as FFA chief executive on December 31 During his tenure, he saw the creation of the FFA Cup and Ange Postecoglou being named Socceroos coach

During his tenure, he saw the creation of the FFA Cup and Ange Postecoglou being named Socceroos coach But he became a divisive figure due to his handling of A-League fan issues and the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic

Gallop's departure coincides with the A-League transitioning to independence from the FFA, which has facilitated the need for the FFA to review the position of CEO as well as redefine its own role.

"It has been an honour to lead FFA for the last seven years," Gallop said in a statement.

"Football is the true world game and many Australians from all backgrounds want to see it grow bigger and stronger in the decades to come.

"With the [New Leagues Working Group Report] recommendations to bring about fundamental changes to Australia's professional competitions … the chief executive's role as it currently exists will be a very different, narrower role.

"It has been very satisfying to be part of so many important moments including the introduction of the FFA Cup, winning the AFC Asian Cup, participating in the FIFA Women's World Cup and FIFA World Cups, securing a record six-year media rights deal with Fox Sports, strengthening the financial aspects of women's football, adding expansion teams to the Hyundai A-League, and growing the huge participation base of the game."

Gallop assumed the FFA helm in 2012, replacing Ben Buckley as CEO.

He was initially a popular arrival in Australian football.

David Gallop became an increasingly polarising figure in Australian football. ( AAP: Lukas Coch )

He helped bring about the FFA Cup and replaced Holger Osieck with Ange Postecoglou as Socceroos coach, but recent times have seen him become a more polarising figure.

His handling of fan issues in the A-League and the sacking of Alen Stajcic as Matildas coach on the eve of the Women's World Cup came in for criticism in football circles.

Announcing the former NRL boss would stand down on December 31, the FFA thanked Gallop for his service.

"David has provided strong and distinguished leadership over a long period and particularly through a difficult last few years for FFA as we have managed the governance and structural changes around the game," FFA chairman Chris Nikou said in a statement.

"Working together for the next six months, we will continue to reposition FFA for ongoing success.

"While he will be with us for some time yet, David will leave us with our respect and sincerest best wishes for continued success in the next stage of his career."