A statement released by the club said Fraser, CEO of the Saints since midway through the 2006 season, had resigned to “pursue other interests”.
But shortly after the club’s statement, Fraser sent a letter to St Kilda supporters outlining the reasons for his departure.
“This wasn't an easy decision for me to make but when I weighed it up – to run an entire league and return to the game that I played for so many years and have a long history with – it was an opportunity that I couldn't refuse,” Fraser told Saints fans.
“It's with a heavy heart that I leave the club and people that I've grown to love like family.”
Fraser, who was born in Scotland, played professional soccer for Greenock Morton in his home country before moving to Australia in 1980 to play in Brisbane.
Now, he will head up the premier soccer competition in the land, becoming the second Saints chief executive – after Brian Waldron – to defect to a rival code.
Waldron is the Melbourne Storm’s chief executive.
Fraser thanked Saints fans for their support and said that with the current board, the club was headed in the right direction.
“I realise that many of you will be disappointed in my decision but it's one that I didn't take lightly and I hope you can be happy for me and the opportunities that lay ahead,” he said.
“From a club perspective I'm confident that we've now built an organisation that will stand the test of time and deliver success into the future.”
St Kilda president Greg Westaway said the club would ensure a smooth transition after Fraser’s departure.
“Archie will remain with the Club to complete a thorough handover and ensure that momentum on major projects is maintained,” Westaway said.
“We’ll now begin a process for his replacement and I’m confident that we’ll find someone of the calibre to continue the good work done to date.”
Fraser will continue with the Saints for the next two months as the club searches for a replacement.
No deadline has been placed on the process.
