FTBL understands that Popovic, who commands a salary in excess of $700,000 per year - will be given the option to either live with a figure closer to $400,000, or depart the club.
 
Even if Victory beat crosstown rivals Melbourne City in Saturday’s elimination final and go on to lift the A-League championship, it’s believed the Victory hierarchy are steadfast in their resolve not to offer Popovic a new deal anywhere near his current level of remuneration.
 
Sources suggest the final call will lie with the off-contract Popovic, who after three years in charge has a pivotal decision to make in the coming days or weeks.
 
Victory are playing hardball in the light of diminishing disbursements available to clubs next season through the A-League's TV partnership with Paramount +, a figure of just $1.4 million in 2024-2025 has been postulated.
 
All of which shines a light on a club wage bill headlined by their well heeled head coach.
 
In the expectation Popovic might decline to fall into line with the cost slashing narrative, Victory are already casting their gaze elsewhere with former club captain, and current Adelaide United assistant, Mark Milligan mentioned in dispatches as a possible budget-conscious successor.
 
Another former Socceroo, David Zdrilic, Ufuk Talay’s number two at Sydney FC, might also be a left-field pick should Victory choose to gamble on an up-and-comer.
 
Whatever direction Victory go in - should Popovic decide to walk - it’s safe to assume that with such tight purse strings enlisting an overseas coach will not be a viable option.
 
Popovic has been prevaricating on his future for several months, confirming recently he would wait until the end of the season to make a definitive call.
 
“I'll worry about it then,” he said “I'm not concerned about my future.”