Johannesburg, Nov 7 (AFP) Athletics South Africa (ASA) has been suspended by the country's powerful national Olympic committee over its controversial handling of the Caster Semenya gender row.

"The suspension is based on the fact that ASA, through its officials and office bearers, has engaged in acts of misconduct and misdemeanours in relation to the Caster Semenya affair," the Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said in a statement yesterday.

The committee, which launched an investigation into the Semenya affair in September, said "its board has the power to oversee, direct, control, administer and, if necessary, manage the activities of its members".

The decision came a day after SASCOC suspended ASA boss Leonard Chuene, who admitted that he knew about the gender test conducted on the 800 metre gold medalist prior to the Berlin world championships.

- (Agencies)