Maria Sharapova has been named by the Russian Tennis Federation in the country’s squad for the Rio Olympics, despite the former World No 1 being provisionally suspended for doping. Sharapova had announced in March that she had tested positive for banned drug meldonium before the Australian Open in January this year. The 28-year-old was then provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation until it investigates the matter.

A verdict from the ITF is expected next month before the Wimbledon Championships, reported the Herald Sun. Russia is expected to apply for Sharapova’s participation in the Olympics before June 6, reported IANS. In case Sharapova is not allowed to participate, her compatriot Yekaterian Maksimova will take her place.

Russia has been at the centre of a doping controversy, after the World Anti-Doping Agency in November last year recommended the country to be suspended from competing in athletics. This was after WADA investigated allegations that Russian athletes paid their own doping officials to supply banned substances and cover up tests.