The United Nations says it has stopped working with disgraced tennis player Maria Sharapova who last week admitted to testing positive for a banned substance.
The New York based U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) said in a statement Tuesday that it was suspending Sharapova, who worked as a goodwill ambassador, until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known.
"The UNDP remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery," the statement said.
Last week, the Russian tennis player announced that she tested positive for a drug called meldonium, also known as Mildronate, at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Sharapova said she took the drug for 10 years to help with long-term health problems. She did not say how often she used the drug, but doctors said a normal cycle lasts for six weeks, and it could be used two to three times per year.
Sharapova says she did not know the drug was added to the banned substance list.
Since her announcement, several major sponsors have suspended or cut ties with the Russian tennis star.
