Tuesday 15 March 2016 14:13, UK
Maria Sharapova has been suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations following her failed drugs test.
The former world No 1 admitted last Monday that she failed a drug test after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium at this year's Australian Open.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), which Sharapova became a goodwill ambassador of in February 2007, suspended the Russian until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known.
Sharapova's work with the UN focused mainly on helping survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, but links to her profile on the UN's website were not working on Tuesday.
"The UNDP remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery," a UN spokesperson told the Guardian.
"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."
The UNDP did not immediately respond to phone and email requests by Reuters asking for confirmation of the news.
Sharapova hit back on Monday at suggestions she received five separate warnings about changes to tennis anti-doping rules which ultimately led to her testing positive for the banned drug.
