Tag Heuer & Porsche join Nike in publicly distancing themselves from Maria Sharapova
Porsche and Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer have suspended sponsorship of tennis star Maria Sharapova. They joins Nike as the latest sponsors to distance their brands from the Russian athlete following the news that she had failed a drugs test.
In a statement the unit of French luxury goods group LVMH said: "Maria Sharapova was under contract with TAG Heuer until December 31, 2015. We had been in talks to extend our collaboration. In view of the current situation, the Swiss watch brand has suspended negotiations and has decided not to renew the contract."
Tag Heuer has had ties with the 28 year-old since she won Wimbledon at the age of 17. Since then the luxury watch maker has used Sharapova in a number of ad campaigns and has worked with her to design a line of watches and sunglasses.
Porsche meanwhile has reportedly haulted its marketing plans with Sharapova until the investigation is complete.
#Porsche on #Sharapova:'Until further details are released and we can analyze the situation, we have chosen to postpone planned activities'
— Nicola Keaney (@NicKeaney) March 8, 2016
Sharapova called a press conference yesterday in Los Angeles where she announced she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open due to a substance she was taking for health issues.
Nike was quick in responding to the news with the announcement that they have suspended ties with her during the investigation.