The PHF executive board found Alam guilty of misappropriating Rs.2.5 million ($31,000) when he was Pakistan manager and coach last year.

Mansoor was charged with posing as a federation official to obtain visas from the United States embassy for a private team.

Alam has denied the allegations while Ahmed has declined to comment. Both said they would contest the bans in court.

Critics have said that the duo was targeted by the PHF after it launched scathing attacks against the performance of the PHF top brass in recent times. Now a number of Olympians have stood up in favour of Alam and Mansoor.

Olympian Qamar Zia recently termed as unconstitutional the PHF's decision to ban Mansoor and Alam for life.

Legendary hockey player Samiullah has asked the PHF not to indulge in controversies and do their work properly, which would automatically shut the mouths of the critics.

'I would say that the federation should not fall in controversies. If they would focus on their work and give results - the mouths of the critics would automatically be sealed,' Samiullah said.