UN agency stops partnership with Maria Sharapova Foundation
Tennis star Maria Sharapova has had her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program suspended in the aftermath of her positive drug test at the Australian Open in January, according to the Associated Press.
The Maria Sharapova Foundation had worked with the UNDP in a joint operation to provide education scholarships to people affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
“In light of Ms. Sharapova's recent announcement, we last week suspended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while the investigation continues,” the organization announced.
Sharapova could face a multi-year ban by tennis authorities after testing positive for Meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances at the beginning of 2016.
• Maria Sharapova thanks fans for support after failed drug test
The former No. 1 player has already lost a number of major sponsors, including Nike and Porsche.
