The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced today it would put Maria Sharapova's status as a goodwill ambassador on hold until the results of an investigation are released. Most of Sharapova's work with the UNDP centered on raising support for survivors of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is currently investigating Sharapova's usage of a drug called meldonium. The Russian tennis star admitted earlier this month she failed a drug test for it in January at the Australian Open shortly after the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) ban on the drug became official.
"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 UNDP said. "We wish Ms. Sharapova the best."
The UNDP continued: "The United Nations Development Programme remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery."
The UNDP's main focus is to combat poverty and social inequality, and Sharapova earned a salary of $1 for her involvement. Though links to her U.N. profile seem to be suspended, the UNDP still has a news release announcing her appointment as a goodwill ambassador archived.
"One of my proudest contracts ever," she said at the time. "I was just briefed on Chernobyl effects and how I will be involved with it, and I'm just so excited to be a part of this process - I can't wait. I can't wait to help with everything I can."
WADA determined last fall that meldonium, which is prescribed as a heart medication, would be banned for how it can improve blood flow and muscle function for athletes. In her public admission, Sharapova said her doctor has been recommending she take it over the last 10 years to treat a magnesium deficiency and for other health issues.
Sharapova said she mistakenly ignored one email with the phrase "anti-doping" appearing in the subject line. The email would have let her know the drug she had been taking for so long would become banned Jan. 1. In an open letter on her official website, Sharapova denied reports she was warned five times about meldonium being banned.
The ITF will likely focus on what Sharapova did know and what she reasonably should have known. She acknowledged she should have read the one email directly referencing "anti-doping" in the subject line, but maintained other correspondence that may have contained a warning was not nearly as straightforward.
The ITF may also weigh WADA's findings that more than 100 athletes have tested positive for meldonium since it became banned Jan. 1, though that revelation may not carry any weight in determining Sharapova's tennis ban. She faces a maximum suspension of four years.
