The 66-year-old, believed to have been questioned by the ÖFB Ethics Committee last month, had been criticised publicly for using his role as the country’s top football official to attract advertisers for his publishing house.

The Kurier newspaper brought to light alleged conversations Milletich had with sponsors during which he is said to have been negotiating and complaining about adverts for his magazines.

Johann Gartner has taken over the Presidency on an interim basis.

A decision on who will replace Milletich permanently is expected to be taken at an ÖFB Extraordinary General Meeting to be held in May or June.

In a statement, Milletich announced he was stepping down "due to the massive negative media campaign and the internal attacks against me."

"This withdrawal is to protect my private and business environment and is intended to avert further damage to the ÖFB," Milletich said.

"Because the media prejudice of the last few months and the personal attacks of some members of the Executive Committee have not only severely damaged my reputation, but also the public image of the ÖFB.

"At the same time, however, I expressly state that I have never abused my honorary position as ÖFB President.

"In hindsight, I would have conducted some communications a little differently from today’s perspective.

"Nevertheless, I have always acted in the interests of the ÖFB and Austrian football and therefore have nothing to blame myself for.

"However, since, despite my efforts to fully and transparently clarify all allegations, and the hostilities of some members of the executive committee were not curbed, I ultimately had no choice but to resign my position."

Since his election to the post, Milletich has presided over the appointment of Germany’s Ralf Rangnick, who had previously been interim manager of Manchester United, as head coach of the national team.

During his tenure a large and long-planned national training centre has also been opened.