Medical experts will examine the results of gender tests on South African world champion runner Caster Semenya and athletics' governing body does not expect a final decision before late November, a spokesman said.

The International Association of Athletics Federations was commenting after Australia's Daily Telegraph reported that tests on Semenya, who won the women's 800 metres gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin last month, had revealed she had both female and male sexual characteristics.

"The IAAF has noted statements in recent media articles regarding the athlete Caster Semenya of South Africa. We would like to emphasise that these should not be considered as official statements by the IAAF," IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said.

"We can officially confirm that gender verification test results will be examined by a group of medical experts. No decision on the case will be communicated until the IAAF has had the opportunity to complete this examination," he added.

"We do not expect to make a final decision on this case before the next meeting of the IAAF Council which takes place in Monaco on November 20-21."

Some South Africans have accused the IAAF of racism for ordering the gender tests on Semenya, saying her broad shoulders and imposing musculature are common in women's athletics and she should not be singled out. She received a heroine's welcome on returning from Berlin.