The first cracks in Asia's support for embattled FIFA boss Sepp Blatter emerged on Thursday when Australia's federation announced it would be voting for a new president at Friday's election.

The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) had previously been a staunch ally of Blatter, voting for him at every election since he first assumed power in 1998.

Football Federation Australia's Frank Lowy (left) with FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Credit:AFP

But the FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC released a statement after arriving in Switzerland, announcing Australia would switch its support to Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.

"FFA believes that profound change within FIFA is needed as soon as possible to address issues of governance and transparency," the statement read. "This belief will be reflected when Australia casts its vote in the presidential election, should it proceed on Friday in Zurich."