Wilhelm de Swart

Johannesburg –  Athletics South Africa (ASA) could jeopardise Caster Semenya's chances of securing lucrative deals if it refuses to co-operate with the International Associate of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to clarify her gender.

ASA chairperson Leonard Chuene was visibly angry on Tuesday about what he described as a public humiliation of Semenya.

She has been crowned as world champion in the 800m for women. She can now command appearance fees of between R160 000 and R240 000 at major meetings. If she wins, she can receive prize money of between R80 000 and R120 000.

Sponsorship from a major supplier of running shoes will also follow. For a world champion such as Semenya that can be in the region of about R800 000.

However, no sponsor can afford to be linked to a scandal. That is why most sponsors are likely to adopt a wait-and-see approach before making any offers.

Chuene said on Tuesday that Semenya should be left alone.

An unnamed team-mate said the drama was very unfair on Semenya.

"ASA are constantly saying that Semenya is still a child and should be left to play. But running is what she considers playing. That is what she wants to do. I know that she wants to participate in Europe, but that ASA is standing in her way."