This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36485320
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Maria Sharapova: Nike to continue sponsorship despite test failure | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The sports firm Nike is to continue its sponsorship of Maria Sharapova, despite her being banned for two years for failing a drugs test. | |
| The Russian tennis player tested positive for the prohibited drug meldonium earlier this year. | The Russian tennis player tested positive for the prohibited drug meldonium earlier this year. |
| She is appealing against a two-year International Tennis Federation ban. | She is appealing against a two-year International Tennis Federation ban. |
| In a statement, Nike said that, since the tribunal found that she did not intentionally break the rules, it would continue to partner her. | In a statement, Nike said that, since the tribunal found that she did not intentionally break the rules, it would continue to partner her. |
| Following Sharapova's admission in March that she had tested positive for meldonium, a heart disease drug which has only been a banned substance since 1 January 2016, Nike had initially suspended its relationship with her, saying it would monitor the investigation. | Following Sharapova's admission in March that she had tested positive for meldonium, a heart disease drug which has only been a banned substance since 1 January 2016, Nike had initially suspended its relationship with her, saying it would monitor the investigation. |
| On Wednesday the company said: "The ITF Tribunal has found that Maria did not intentionally break its rules. | On Wednesday the company said: "The ITF Tribunal has found that Maria did not intentionally break its rules. |
| "Maria has always made her position clear, has apologised for her mistake and is now appealing the length of the ban. | |
| "Based on the decision of the ITF and their factual findings, we hope to see Maria back on court and will continue to partner with her." | "Based on the decision of the ITF and their factual findings, we hope to see Maria back on court and will continue to partner with her." |
| Maria Sharapova's relationship with Nike dates back to when she was 11 years old. | Maria Sharapova's relationship with Nike dates back to when she was 11 years old. |
| In 2010, she signed a new eight-year contract with the US sportswear giant worth $70m (£49m) as well as a cut on sales of her own branded clothes. | In 2010, she signed a new eight-year contract with the US sportswear giant worth $70m (£49m) as well as a cut on sales of her own branded clothes. |
| Her other sponsors have yet to respond to the ITF tribunal ruling. In March, Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer cut its ties with her and the carmaker Porsche said it was "postponing planned activities". | Her other sponsors have yet to respond to the ITF tribunal ruling. In March, Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer cut its ties with her and the carmaker Porsche said it was "postponing planned activities". |
| However the racket manufacturer Head said it would stand by Sharapova despite the revelations. | However the racket manufacturer Head said it would stand by Sharapova despite the revelations. |
| The five-time Grand Slam champion said she had been taking meldonium since 2006 for health issues but said she did not realise it had been added to the banned list as she knew it by another name - mildronate. | The five-time Grand Slam champion said she had been taking meldonium since 2006 for health issues but said she did not realise it had been added to the banned list as she knew it by another name - mildronate. |
| She said that, since the tribunal had concluded that her offence was "unintentional" that she thought the ban was "unfairly harsh" and would therefore appeal. | She said that, since the tribunal had concluded that her offence was "unintentional" that she thought the ban was "unfairly harsh" and would therefore appeal. |