Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes believes that John Terry should lead England in the side's international friendlies despite being accused of racially abusing Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Chelsea and Three Lions captain is under investigation by the Football Association and Metropolitan Police over alleged racist remarks made during the West London derby.
While critics believe that Terry should not be included in the national side, it is understood that boss Fabio Capello has named him in the provisional squad.
"I think innocent until proven guilty," Fernandes told BBC Sport.
"There's been no hard evidence either way of John's alleged statements. If he's the right man for the job, then he should be selected as captain."
The Malaysian tycoon believes that Terry cannot be deemed a racist even if the accusations prove true.
"Lots of things can be said in the spur of the moment which don't make you really believe what you've said," he added.
"I don't think you can write someone off as a racist because of one statement. Having said that, it is in the public eye and people like John have to be gooder than good. If he said it, it is wrong because of who he is but I don't say he's a racist because of that one statement."
Capello will name his final England squad on Sunday evening.
Danielle Joynson
