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

The team said he was asked, but did not confirm 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 picked up the team's statement.

Ovechkin has not publicly commented.

The request came during his trip in Russia this summer.

The ad has drawn attention because United Russia supports President Vladimir Putin.

No further details were provided by the Capitals.