Drug shame to cost Sharapova £ 100m
TENNIS star Maria Sharapova is set to lose a £ 100million fortune after admitting she failed a drugs test.
The world’s highest paid sportswoman was dumped by sponsors within hours of her shock revelation.
Sportswear giant Nike pulled the plug on her most lucrative deal, believed to be worth £ 50million. The firm said it was “saddened and surprised” by the fivetime grand slam winner’s admission.
It suspended its contract while an investigation continues.
Former world number one Sharapova, 28, has had links with Nike since the age of 11 and has her own clothing range.
Luxury Swiss watch brand Tag Hauer severed all ties with the Russian player and Porsche, which signed her as a global endorser in 2013, said it had “postponed planned activities”. She also has deals with American Express, Tiffany, Avon, Evian and racket maker Head.
She earned an estimated £ 20.7million in 2015, with off- court endorsements dwarfing her income from prize money.
Now she faces a ban of up to four years which could end her professional career.
Fans were stunned on Monday to learn she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January. The drug was put on a banned list at the start of the year following evidence of its use to enhance performance. Sharapova said she had been taking it for a decade to deal with sickness, magnesium deficiency and a family history of diabetes.
She said she had not read an email saying it was prohibited but added: “I let my fans down, I let the sport down. I know I face consequences.”
Sports marketing expert Nigel Currie said: “If Maria gets a four- year ban, that probably is it – and we are talking about potential losses of £ 100million.”
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said Sharapova made an “honest mistake” but Jennifer Capriati insisted: “If it’s true, every title should be stripped.”