South Africa's Olympic governing body may take "appropriate action" against the IAAF for their role in the Caster Semenya gender row.
IAAF under fire for role in Semenya gender row
South Africa's Olympic governing body is considering "taking appropriate action" against the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for their wrongdoing in the gender row surrounding Caster Semenya.
The announcement came after Athletics South Africa issued an apology to the 18-year-old when it emerged they were aware of the gender tests carried out on Semenya by the IAAF before she was allowed to compete in the World Championships in Berlin.
The ASA had formerly denied any knowledge of a test prior to the 800 metres event in Germany, in which 18-year-old Semenya effortlessly secured gold.
As a result, the governing body for Olympic affairs in the country (SASCOC) suspended ASA president Leonard Chuene, the board of ASA and its members "with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation and further action".
The ASA were found to have been "less than honest" in their dealings in the inquiry set up by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) into the affair and the ASA consequently responded with an apology.
Disregard
"Athletics South Africa (ASA) has taken note of the African National Congress Caster Semenya Support Task Team media statement issued on 16 October relating to Caster Semenya and the gender verification tests conducted on her," said an ASA press release.
"ASA appreciates the ANC's position on this matter, fully welcomes and accepts without any reservations the findings and recommendations of the task team.
"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 has also been announced by SASCOC that they are considering "taking appropriate action against the IAAF for its disregard of Semenya's rights to privacy".
The IAAF revealed earlier this year, ahead of the 800m final in Berlin, that they had been conducting investigations into Semenya's gender after she made a breakthrough performance to win the African junior championship title at the end of July.
ASA are now hoping to meet with Semenya and her family to discuss the affair.
"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," the statement said.
Apology
"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.
"ASA will also discuss with the Ministry ways in which the administration of sport can be improved. Our proposals also focus on improved management of relationships with key stakeholders, including international sporting federations such as the International Association of Athletics Federations."
Semenya's coach Wilfred Daniels resigned over the controversy and has revealed he thinks the latest developments have come too late to repair any damage.
"It's a sad day for South African athletics," he told
BBC Radio 5 Live.
"The apology has come very late, two months after the event. So much damage has been done, it's too little, too late.
"She has been traumatised for life.
"I don't think she will ever be able to live life as a normal woman again."
