Cabinet has said it will not add to calls for Leonard Chuene's dismissal over the handling of athlete Caster Semenya's gender debacle.

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said cabinet noted calls for the Athletics South Africa president's head, but it wants ASA to deal with the matter itself.

Chuene has come under fire for admitting he lied about the existence of gender test conducted on the star athlete before she left for the Berlin Games.

Maseko said the ball is now in ASA's court.

"Cabinet, at this particular point in time, is of the view that bodies must be given the chance to deal with the matter first. We are quite satisfied that the sports bodies will take the decisions they need to take."

Meanwhile, ASA officials are to meet to discuss Chuene's handling of the controversy.

Whether his admission will result in the ASA boss losing his job remains to be seen.

Chuene said he lied because he was trying to protect the 18-year-old athlete.

But his revelation has sparked outcry from several politicians, who are now calling for him to be fired whilst the Sports Ministry wants him to step down.

Chuene admitted he had been advised by Dr Harold Adams to withdraw Semenya from the World Athletics Championship.

However, team officials have said they agreed with the decision not to withdraw Semenya because there was not enough evidence to do so.