The Covert Agent: The real reason why Ange Postecoglou is quitting the Socceroos

Ange Postecoglou is quitting the Socceroos because of his frosty relationship with the FFA, not because he is battling to handle criticism and the pressures of the job.

The Covert Agent can reveal Postecoglou has struggled to deal with FFA management, including David Gallop, for more than two years.

The deterioration of the relationship can be pinpointed back to September 2015, when the 52-year-old was forced by the FFA to retract comments made about the players' pay dispute with the governing body.

Since then, Postecoglou has also been frustrated by the FFA's lack of understanding for the game and the constant bickering on simple football protocol.

He has also been disappointed by cost-cutting measures implemented to his worldwide scouting network, believing it has hindered his ability to get the best information on overseas-based Australians.

It's understood Postecoglou has received offers to coach at three European-based clubs, including in England's Championship, Belgium and Greece, but has resolved it's his obligation to the Australian public to get the team to the World Cup first before entertaining a move abroad.