Maria Sharapova Suspended as UN Goodwill Ambassador Amid Failed Drug Test

Maria Sharapova has been removed by the United Nations as one of its Goodwill Ambassadors in the wake of revelations regarding her failed drugs tests. 

According to TMZ, the organisation issued a statement stating “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.”

Sharapova has been in the role since 2007 as part of the UN’s Development Program. The organisation stated it “remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery.”

As noted in the piece, a lot of high-profile organisations have severed ties with Sharapova after she confirmed last week that she had tested positive for meldonium, including Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche.

The Russian, a former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, has suggested the substance was helping her with health issues, per BBC Sport.

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While distanced themselves from Sharapova in light of the positive tests, some have opted to stand by her. That includes her racket sponsor Head, which revealed it will seek to extend the 28-year-old’s contract with the company, per BBC Sport.

Additionally, WTA chief executive Steve Simon told Barry Flatman of the Times that he feels Sharapova made an “honest mistake.” They’re comments Owen Gibson of the Guardian does not agree with:

Other UN Goodwill Ambassadors include iconic footballers Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba and Marta, as well as Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

Sharapova has been provisionally suspended from tennis since announcing her failed test last week and could face a potential four-year ban from the sport, according to BBC Sport. In a recent post on her Facebook account, the Russian insisted she is “determined to fight back” from this low point in her career.