Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a campaign ad for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, during his visit home this summer.

The team said he was asked, but stopped short of confirming whether he accepted.

News reports have described the ad as a political endorsement.

The Washington Post and The Guardian report that the NHL star is featured in the ad.

ESPN also covered the team's statement.

Ovechkin has made no public comment.

The request happened during his visit in Russia this summer.

The ad is getting attention because United Russia backs President Vladimir Putin.

No further details were provided by the Capitals.