The National team's failure to get past the group stages of the AFF Suzuki Cup in Myanmar last month is a clear signal that holistic changes must take place in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Former international Datuk Santokh Singh in expressing his disappointment at the team's failure in the AFF Suzuki Cup said the time has come for a total change in the governing body for football in the country.

"If we cannot even get past the group stages of the AFF Suzuki Cup, doesn't it mean there must be changes. However, changes must be holistic," he told reporters after attending a Charity Auction organised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) to collect funds for the Urological Cancer Trust Fund.

Santokh, a pillar of strength in the heart of defence during his playing days in the 70s and early 80s, said to bring back the glory days of football, the FAM must be spearheaded by those who have been involved in football, including ex-players.

During the auction, a ball signed by the country's legendary footballers Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Hassan Sani, Datuk James Wong and Santokh managed to fetch RM25,000 for the fund.

The Urological Cancer Trust Fund was set up by the Blue Cap Movement under the auspicious of Universiti Malaya last year to assist prostate cancer patients.

Media reports had highlighted several high profile individuals, including Johor Darul Ta'zim owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who is also the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, AirAsia chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and FAM Integrity Committee chairman Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat as likely candidates for the post of FAM president that is expected to be vacated by Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. - BERNAMA