Macarthur FC captain Valere Germain has quit the Sydney-based team in the lead up to the A-League playoffs, with club management citing the French forward's frustration with refereeing decisions as a factor in his decision.

In a stunning move that will see the Frenchman move to a Japanese club, Germain asked for a release from his contract despite scoring 19 goals in 45 games for the club and playing an important role in mentoring younger players.