For the first time in the organisation's history, Football Federation Australia will be led by a "football person" with David Gallop's replacement set to be found from within the game.

The FFA board is on the lookout for a new chief executive following Gallop's resignation on Thursday and while the criteria for the redefined position is yet to be finalised, the directors are unanimous that their next leader must have an established career in football.

Professional Footballers Australia chief John Didulica could be targeted by FFA to replace David Gallop. Credit:AAP

Having previously looked towards rival codes for its leaders, board sources have suggested there is consensus to hire a new leader with skin in the game and already several candidates have been linked with the vacant post at the top of Australian football. The Herald understands Sydney FC chief Danny Townsend, PFA chief John Didulica, former Socceroo and SBS presenter Craig Foster, Football Federation Victoria chief Peter Filopoulos and FFA chief operating officer Mark Falvo have already been marked as potential candidates. It is understood no applications have been submitted for the role.

Several other names could be added to that preliminary list in the coming weeks once the process to find a new chief formally kicks off with the FFA board seeking the assistance of a recruitment firm to help find Gallop's replacement.