There is disappointment and concern after Athletics South Africa gave its controversial President Leonard Chuene the thumbs up.

ASA members held a special general meeting in Kempton Park on Thursday where Chuene?s handling of the Caster Semenya gender debacle was discussed.

Chuene came under fire after he lied about knowing gender tests were conducted on Semenya ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

There have since been calls for him to resign or be fired.

Former national coach Wilfred Daniels said the ASA?s decision was disappointing.

?It?s quite amazing that the council came up with a decision that is contrary to what all the major formations in this country were calling for. It must be a slap in the face to people like President Jacob Zuma.?

The Democratic Alliance?s Ross van der Linde agreed: The need for Chuene to go is frankly a no-brainer so it is of deep concern that ASA seems to have given him a vote of confidence.?

ASA spokesperson Chris Brits reiterated the federation was willing to assist in an investigation into its handling of the Semenya saga.

?ASA will participate and fully cooperate in any statutory commission of inquiry that may be instituted on this matter.?