The warning this November window gives football in Australia: it's time for a decision

While it is always great having the Socceroos in action, this November window is now really a fork in the road moment for the sport. For once, it's not through its own fault.

Circumstances in the Middle East mean the perfect cycle of a World Cup into Asian Cup for Tony Popovic, before re-assessing the long term path before qualification for 2030's World Cup begins in September, has a curve ball. Speaking for the first time since the tournament's postponement sparked speculation about his future, Popovic said there's a "possibility" he won't continue until the next World Cup.

He also said he's very happy and honoured to have the role. But thanks to January's postponement, this camp has really zeroed in on the need for clarity on the future of the Socceroos - and it has to happen soon.

IRAQ:Graham Arnold's Iraq future in doubt as rival coaching candidates emerge CHINA:John Aloisi leaves after title collapse triggers extraordinary clear-out SOCCEROOS: Popa to Crystal Palace? Socceroos boss addresses speculation on his future Right now, Australia's national side is in Qatar for what should have been the last Asian Cup tune-up but instead is a window in a vacuum.

"It's more building towards the Asian Cup," Popovic said of this current squad. "The current situation has shifted our focus to potential players who can break into the squad and have some opportunity.

But who will be in charge to see that through? Football Australia's Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock has thrown a December deadline on a decision on the coach's future and that seems the most sensible decision to ensure the Socceroos, with a much vaunted exciting generation, don't remain in no man's land.

While Garriock has flagged that a renewal through to the postponed Asian Cup is one option, a longer term commitment, which Popovic and Garriock have revealed could not be settled on prior to June, would provide rare clarity and a roadmap for the game. Tony Popovic has a bit to think about.

Of course, a long term deal comes with risks; if Australia tanks at the Asian Cup, 11 months down the line, then a decision would need to be potentially made mid-qualification cycle again. But backing someone in, and seeing it through, is also a rarity Australian football has never tried.

We bounced from Guus Hiddink, to Arnold, to Pim Verbeek to Holger Osieck, to Ange Postecoglou to Bert van Marwijk without any continuity. Anyone who remembers the 'will he or won't he' saga of the road to the 2018 World Cup will be shouting that allegory from the rooftops - particularly in the way Australian football threw four years of Ange-ball out the window for the downright pragmatism of van Marwijk."