Maria Sharapova had four months notice before meldonium was added to the banned substance list in January, the World Anti-Doping Agency have confirmed. The five-time Grand Slam winner shocked the world of sport on Monday when she announced she had failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.Sharapova revealed she had been taking meldonium legally for 10 years to deal with an irregular heartbeat and a history of diabetes in her family. She claimed she was unaware the drug - which Latvian manufacturers say should be taken for four to six weeks - had been put on WADAs banned list. Sir Craig Reedie confirmed athletes were first informed about WADAs new list of banned substances in September However, WADA chief Sir Craig Reedie confirmed the new list of prohibited substances was issued four months before it came into force.We researched this drug and then put it on a monitoring system for a year and then we put it on the list as from January 2016, Reedie said on Sky Sports News HQ.The new list is distributed on the first of September last year, so athletes have four months to understand it and that it comes into effect on the first of January. Former WADA chief Dick Pound says Sharapova has no excuse Dick Pound, WADAs independent commission chairman and former chief, said Sharapovas positive test is a major blow for tennis and is in disbelief over the 28-year-olds claims of innocence.Its a huge negative for tennis, in general and not to mention the consequences she will suffer, Pound told Sky Sports Amy Lewis.Shes one of only two real poster girls in the sport. Its a sport which has been under attack for match fixing and all sorts of other nefarious activities, so its yet another body blow and a major body blow. Sharapova: Ive failed a drugs test Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test at Australia Open Pound is in no doubt that Sharapova was aware that meldonium had been declared a prohibited substance by WADA.She either knew, or she chose not to know, but theres no excuse for it, added Pound.It was announced by WADA, I think there were five of six separate notices sent to her by the WTA and she either didnt read them, which is what she said, or read them and carried on anyway. Maria reckless beyond description Maria Sharapova has only herself to blame for failing a drugs test, according to former WADA chief Im not in the punishment business but I think the ITF is going to have to make a decision as to how strongly they feel about doping in their sport and that could potentially be a four-year suspension.She will be arguing mitigating circumstances and so on thats what lawyers are for and they will come up with a sanction and then WADA will have to decide whether its appropriate and if they dont think its appropriate there is the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sharapova beat Serena Williams to win the Wimbledon title when she was just 17-years-old in 2004 Somebody that has been at the peak of a sport which has doping problems for 10 years, what is it 2004 she won Wimbledon, shes aware of doping and the fact there will be tests, especially as the higher up the tournament, the more likely you are to be tested.There is no excuse for not knowing, shes running a $30m-a-year personal business and its her job to make sure she doesnt do anything that prevents her from participating. Also See: Sharapova may avoid long ban What is meldonium Sponsors drop Sharapova Bollettieri shocked at news Neil Halleck . -- The Sacramento Kings are set to become the first major professional sports franchise to accept Bitcoin virtual currency for ticket and merchandise purchases. Joe Ethridge . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. 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Australian football superstar Tim Cahill is expecting a hot reception when he steps out in Melbourne City colours in the A-League for the first time on Saturday night.Cahills first domestic competition match on home soil since 1997 is a Melbourne Victory home game at Etihad Stadium.Hes been a local crowd favourite throughout his 94-game career with the Socceroos, but Cahills played in heated local derbies around the world too - and hes ready for whats in store.The derby is going to be exciting ... I think its going to be my first taste of Australian supporters booing me, Cahill said at the Fox Sports A-League launch on Wednesday.But its to be expected.Im not expecting a nice welcome; Im not expecting them to give me a clap in the same way they didnt when I played at Liverpool when I played there (with Everton).But thats football - thats the beauty of the game that we play - it comes with the territory.Theres only one way that I quiet any fan ... and thats through my football.Cahill is fit and keen to be on the field from the opening whistle for his A-League debut.The 36-year-old, a substitute for the Socceroos in Tuesday nights 1-1 draw with Japan, sayys hes ready to play substantial minutes in the big clash.ddddddddddddEverybody loves to start, especially in these games. Our intent for this game ... will be pretty clear after the first five minutes, he said.Ive been doing extras in (Socceroos) camp and the physios have been all over me, but I woke up fine - I didnt do too much physically (against Japan).Im like any other player - if you leave me out there for 90 minutes, Ill play. But thats something Im going to leave in their hands.But I feel great; I honestly do feel good. I felt (good) mobility-wise and football-wise ... I couldnt be happier.Cahill is bullish on the squad that City coach John van t Schip has assembled, but stopped short of declaring it ready to break through for a maiden A-League title.Its going to be a big year for us ... hopefully well win something but it cant be the first thing on our minds, he said.When you look at winning something you look ahead 20 games or more, but if you really want to win something you just have to look at the next weekend. ' ' '