South African athletics boss Leonard Chuene has been suspended for his role in the handling of 800-metre champion Caster Semenya's gender row, the country's olympic committee said Thursday.

A statement issued by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said Chuene and his board were suspended "with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation and further action".

The national Olympics committee launched a full investigation into the Semenya matter in September, to see what Chuene and Athletics South Africa (ASA) knew about the gender tests.

ASA had rejected calls to sack Chuene after he admitted that he lied to the nation and government when he said he knew nothing about the gender test. He also ignored advice to withdraw Semenya from competing in the world championships in August.

Earlier on Thursday the athletics body apologised to Semenya, her parents and the nation for their role in the saga.

The Olympics committee also said it was considering "taking appropriate action against the IAAF for its disregard of Semenya's rights to privacy".

A member of the Olympics body was appointed as administrator of ASA and will convene an urgent meeting to elect an interim board pending the outcome of the disciplinary enquiry.

"The suspended individuals will appear before a disciplinary enquiry to answer charges of bringing ASA, the sport of athletics, SASCOC and sport in general into disrepute," said the statement.

Tests into Semenya's sex were announced by the IAAF shortly before the athlete won a gold medal in the 800m race - thrusting her into the global spotlight.

Leaked IAAF test results showed that Semenya is a hermaphrodite, causing widespread anger from the South African public and government.