With Russian athletes speaking out against the Ukraine invasion, what good would banning them do?

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to a call for Russia to be banned from all sport, by extension meaning Russian athletes could be asked to pay the price for President Vladimir Putin's decision to go to war.

Putin has a reputation of overtly displaying his strong-man image, and like most politicians is keen to be photographed with his nation's sporting superstars.

But some of those same athletes are showing a strength of their own by openly criticising their president's decision.

Major sporting events to be staged in Russia have been cancelled or moved; FIFA has banned «Russia» from all competitions, allowing players to compete under the banner «Football Union of Russia» without the national flag or anthem; athletes from elsewhere who live and compete in Russia are considering their options.

One of Russia's most recognised footballers, Fedor Smolov, a national team player currently contracted to Dynamo Moscow, posted a black square on Instagram with the trending hashtag in Russian #NOtowar. His post was liked by others, including Matildas captain Sam Kerr.

NHL and national ice hockey team player Nikita Zadorov posted a black square on Instagram with 'NO WAR' in red letters.

Fellow NHL player Alex Ovechkin, a three-time world championship gold medallist and current captain of the Washington Capitals, told a press conference he had friends in both Russia and Ukraine.

«Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who is in the war – Russia, Ukraine, different countries – we have to live in peace,» he said.

When questioned about his previous support for Mr Putin he said: «He is my president. But like I said, I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete. I hope everything is going to be done soon. It's a hard situation right now for both sides.»