The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said that that Chuene and his colleagues on the ASA board would be "suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation and further action".

 

The Sascoc also said it was also considering "taking appropriate action against the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for its disregard of Ms Semenya's rights to privacy".

 

The 18-year-old Semenya, who won the women's 800 metres gold at the World Championships in Berlin in August amid speculation over her gender, has also received an official apology from the Sascoc.

 

Chuene had initially denied knowing that the IAAF, the world governing body, had commissioned a gender test on Semenya before the Championships in the German capital.

 

The IAAF announced on the eve of the 800m final Semenya that it had been investigating her gender following the runner's victory at the African Junior Championship title in late July.

 

In September, Chuene admitted he knew about the tests but insisted he had denied it at the time to protect Semenya's privacy.

 

The Sascoc issued its rulings following criticism from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which set up a task force to probe the matter and led calls for an apology to be issued to Semenya.

 

The decision by the Sasco coincided with the ASA also issuing a statement saying it would abide by the ANC's recommendations, including apologising to Semenya and South African President Jacob Zuma.

 

A statement from the ASA said: "Consequently, Athletics South Africa wishes to publicly and unconditionally apologise to Caster Semenya and her family, the President of South Africa as well as to all South Africans for the handling of her gender verification processes and the subsequent aftermath," it said.

 

"ASA's board will lead a delegation to meet with Caster, her family and Government for discussions on the matter.

 

"Athletics South Africa hopes that this will bring closure to a very unpleasant episode for Caster.

 

"In addition, ASA are fully prepared to co-operate with any legitimate body that seeks to get closure on this sensitive matter.

 

"Further to this, ASA is willing to make presentations to the Minister of Sport and Recreation to explain the actions taken by ASA officials prior, during and after the competition in Berlin if requested."

 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

 

 

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