Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted sports leagues and athletes to use their "soft power" to push back against the country.

• Russia is facing sanctions from sports organizations and professional athletes due to Vladimir Putin's ongoing military invasion of Ukraine.
• FIFA has temporarily suspended all Russian teams from participating in games in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
• Hockey organizations are also putting pressure on Russia, which is renowned for producing top-notch hockey talent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's military invasion of Ukraine has led to sports organizations and professional athletes imposing their own sanctions on Russia.

The world's top soccer federation has taken the most significant action so far.

FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations declared on Monday that Russian teams would be barred from participating in events, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, until further notice. This decision was made following Poland and Sweden's refusal to play Russia in World Cup qualifying matches. The World Cup is set to begin in November.

The International Olympic Committee, Formula One, and the National Hockey League have all recommended banning Russian teams from competitions for violating the "Olympic Truce."

Dr. Harvey Schiller, former executive director of the U.S. Olympic Committee, stated that sport can be successful by using its leverage to turn things around. He added that every country is now part of a global economy, and when there's been free exchange for so long, war in Ukraine upset the apple cart.

Focus on hockey

The NHL has the most ties to Russia among the four major U.S. leagues, with over two dozen Russian-born hockey players. The league supported its players after Russian NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin was asked about the matter and walked a tight line.

Ovechkin, a star player for the Washington Capitals, stated that the invasion was beyond his control and expressed his concern for both sides involved. He urged for an end to the conflict, noting the fear he feels for his family back in Russia.

"I hope soon, the world will have peace," said Ovechkin, a three-time NHL MVP.

The Russian president received criticism from Ovechkin, who stated, "I'm not involved in politics. I'm an athlete."

Gretzky, a former NHL player and current Turner Sports analyst, labeled Russia's invasion a "senseless war" and suggested the International Ice Hockey Federation ban Russia from the 2023 junior championships.

Belarus' aid in Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to hockey's governing body banning players from both countries on Monday.

IIHF president Luc Tardif stated that the organization is not a political entity and cannot impact the decisions being made regarding the war in Ukraine. However, as a responsible organization, it has a duty of care to all its members and participants and must take all necessary steps to ensure that its events are conducted in a safe environment for all teams participating in the IIHF World Championship program.

Dominik Hasek, a retired NHL goaltending great from the Czech Republic, proposed a more drastic solution, suggesting that the league should suspend contracts of all Russian players.

The former president of the Atlanta Thrashers franchise, Schiller, stated that the move was too extreme.

Schiller stated that Russian players should remain in NHL competition and that they are different from oligarchs. He explained that when playing in the NHL, players are representing themselves, not their country.

The NHL suspended agreements with Russian companies, including a sports betting deal with Liga Stavok, and announced it would stop using Russian language social media and digital sites. Additionally, the league stated that it would not consider Russia for future NHL events.

The NHL acknowledged that players and their families are facing a difficult situation due to Russia's authoritarian regime. As a result, players' remarks could put their family members at risk and jeopardize their future in Russia.

The NHL players may face less scrutiny regarding their views on Russia if the league takes a public stance on the matter.

Schiller stated that business will not be typical while the invasion continues. He added, "If I were an NHL scout, I wouldn't get on a plane and go to Russia. That won't happen."

Basketball, soccer and judo, too

Players in the WNBA also demonstrated their condemnation of Russia’s invasion.

ESPN reported that WNBA players in the region during the offseason are seeking to leave. The league stated that players are no longer in Ukraine and have been in contact with those in Russia through their agents. The league will closely monitor the situation.

Russia could face a unique kind of discomfort with international sports sanctions, according to Declan Hill, a professor at the University of New Haven.

Hill stated that organizations are emphasizing the immense importance of sport's soft power by prohibiting Russian participation in events, with FIFA's World Cup decision having the greatest impact on Russia.

According to Hill, an expert on corruption in international sports, soccer is as significant to the average Russian as the National Football League is to the average American, making it a massive cultural phenomenon.

The IOC recommended banning Belarus athletes from competition due to the country's alignment with Russia under President Alexander Lukashenko. Last week, F1 stated that it's impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current conditions, which poses a threat to the scheduled race in September.

The International Judo Federation removed Putin's honorary president and ambassador status. Klitschko brothers, former pro boxers and Ukrainian natives, were praised for their pledge to fight and defend their country against Russian invasion. Vitali Klitschko, who is also the mayor of Kyiv, has successfully repelled Russian attacks on the city.

"Sports organizations must say and do the right things, as this moment in society highlights the importance of life and death over sports," said Hill.