FIFA president Sepp Blatter has "done a great job for football", according to new executive committee member Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
The 79-year-old has come under increasing pressure to quit his position ahead of today's presidential election in Zurich, following what has been the most turbulent week in the governing body's history.
UEFA boss Michel Platini was among those to lead the calls for Blatter to step aside, but the Swiss has vowed to win back the trust of the footballing world.
However, speaking to Sky Sports News, Sheikh Ahmad has praised the under-fire chief for his bravery.
"He's done a great job for football," he said. "Nobody can be perfect, 100%. I think he is brave. Maybe he will lose some votes, but he didn't care, he was brave to be honest, to say the truth.
"I think the question should be, 'Blatter first round, or Blatter second round?' There is no other question. Maybe, after what's happened, it will be second round.
"If you speak about Sepp, you have to speak about the change of football. He has maintained and developed football. He funded a lot of football projects and made it more international."
Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein is the man looking to stop Blatter winning a fifth term as top boss at FIFA.
