FFA confirmed on Thursday that Abrams would exit from the role and they would subsequently conduct a review into youth development programs and practices.

Abrams had taken over in September 2014 from Han Berger, during a period when Vidmar led Australia's Under-17s, the Joeys, and the FFA's Centre of Excellence.

Vidmar was public in his opposition to last year's closure of the Centre of Excellence and again voiced his concerns with FFA's direction on youth development.

"We have lost four years of development and will never get that back," Vidmar wrote on LinkedIn.

“We started on a change of direction in 2010, going with world’s best practice because we weren't developing enough players during the period of 1999-2008.

“Han Berger did the job as best he could considering the road blocks he had to deal with. The next appointment was paramount because the work was starting to develop and I had seen it with my own eyes.

“We needed someone who has had experience as a TD, who worked with youth at that moment, had hands-on experience, was prepared to go around the country and get their hands dirty to push development to the next level to help our players, but more importantly the coaches."

Vidmar, who is now an assistant coach at Melbourne City, also claimed nationality had been a key factor in Belgian Abrams' appointment, following Dutchman Berger, suggesting the need for more Australian expertise.

“FFA brought in someone who has never been a TD and was never a leader," the 76-time Socceroo wrote.

"Not once have I mentioned nationality – which in this country is the only issue. We must select the best person to do this job, not someone who is a cheap option and a ‘yes’ person.

"If we are serious we should select the person who can do the job and part of their job is to be part of senior management where they should be involved in football decisions."

Upon Thursday's announcement, FFA CEO David Gallop said a collaborative approach is necessary for the game to overcome its hurdles.

“While the fundamentals of football in Australia are undeniably strong, there are some significant challenges that must be resolved if we are to advance quickly as a football nation,” Gallop said.

“At youth level we have identified the need to draw upon the knowledge of more Australians, while also continuing to recognise and respect the role that international football has on the sport.

“We feel that this is the right time to make a change as we seek to unite Australia’s football community and stimulate discussion about innovative ways to build upon the foundations that exist from grassroots to professional clubs across the nation."