UN suspends Sharapova as ambassador

The United Nations has suspended Russian tennis player, Maria Sharapova, from working with them over a failed drugs test

Worth an estimated $195 million, Sharapova will be unable to continue her work as a goodwill ambassador with the U.N. Development Program until the conclusion of the investigation into her admission that she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January.

"The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery," said a UNDP spokesperson.

"However, 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. We wish Ms. Sharapova the best."

The 28-year-old, who was paid a symbolic $1 salary in her role, said at the time that it was one of her "proudest contracts ever." Sharapova has worked with the program which aims to eradicate poverty and inequality for nearly a decade, focusing mainly on helping victims of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

She made a $100,000 donation to young survivors caught up in the world's worst nuclear accident upon her appointment in 2007.

According to U.N. guidelines, goodwill ambassadors are "persons of integrity" who "possess the personality and dignity required for such high-level representative capacity."

Sharapova appears to have contravened article 28 of Guidelines for the designation of Goodwill Ambassadors and Messengers of Peace, which states that the arrangement will be re-examined if the ambassador "engages in any activity incompatible with his/her status or with the purposes and principles of the U.N., or if the termination is in the interest of the organization."

Ranked as the highest earning female athlete in the world for the 11th year running in 2015 by Forbes, Sharapova's failed drug test admission has led to a number of companies reassessing their relationship with the Russian.

Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche all suspended their sponsorship deals with Sharapova, though racket manufacturer Head has said it will extend her contract.