The UN Development Programme (UNDP), for which the five-times grand slam winner became a goodwill ambassador in February 2007, suspended the Russian until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known.

“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 UNDP said in an emailed statement.

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 official website were not working yesterday.

“The United Nations Development Programme remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery,” the statement added.

Sharapova, the highest-paid woman in world sport, has been losing sponsors ever since she announced the failed test at a press conference on March 7.

Nike, the world’s largest sportswear maker, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and German luxury car maker Porsche have suspended their ties with her.

The 28-year-old faces a ban of up to four years pending the outcome of an investigation by the International Tennis Federation.

Meanwhile, the investigative body created to fight corruption in tennis has denied claims it has been ignoring evidence of match-fixing, saying it has been trying to obtain information from Italian prosecutors.

The Tennis Integrity Unit, which is funded by tennis’ governing bodies, said in a statement overnight it has been investigating claims that two male Italian tennis players fixed matches.

“The TIU had been endeavouring to obtain the evidence required to substantiate allegations made against Italian players Daniele Bracciali and Potito Starace from the prosecutor’s office since October 2014,” the body said.

The statement follows a story published Tuesday by BuzzFeed and the BBC that claims Italian prosecutors, led by Roberto Di Martino, have evidence that gamblers contacted several players to fix matches.

“The TIU had to engage legal counsel in Italy to obtain the information contained in Mr. Di Martino’s investigation and is now listed as an Injured Party in the ongoing criminal proceedings,” the TIU said.

In January, the BBC and BuzzFeed reported that tennis authorities had suppressed evidence of match-fixing and failed to thoroughly investigate possible cases of corruption.

-Reuters