The world shot put champion CJ Hunter, who tested positive for drugs last summer, is facing international action because officials in the US are taking so long to deal with his case.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation's (IAAF) medical commission is set this weekend to impose sanctions against the husband of Marion Jones because USA Track and Field (USATF) has still not dealt with the case. The IAAF has the power to ban athletes from all international competition for any period from two years up to life.

It was revealed during the Sydney Olympics that the 22 st American had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone four times during the European grand prix circuit.

But after seven months of nothing happening and no hearing date being fixed, the IAAF has grown frustrated and is prepared to deal with the 31-yearold Hunter itself.

"It has taken a long time. In my mind a decision should have been taken already," said Arne Ljungqvist, head of the IAAF's medical commission. "We can't let this go on for much longer, that's for sure."

In Sydney, Ljungqvist confirmed Hunter had tested positive and accused the Americans of employing a policy that preserves the anonymity of athletes accused of drug offences to the point where none are banned.

"The Americans have taken the privilege on themselves to exonerate without informing us who the athletes are and saying this is confidential," Ljungqvist said.

In an attempt to convince the federation that it is not hiding anything, USATF has appointed a commission to review its drugtesting compliance. The four-person commission was initially expected to report by January but that has been put back to late March or early April.