Multiple Olympic and World Champion Caster Semenya has joined South African football club JVW after an IAAF ruling prevented her from competing in athletics without taking testosterone-reducing drugs.

The 800m and 1500m runner has signed for the women's club based in Gauteng, but will not start playing competitively until the 2020 season

The three-time world champion, 28, announced in July that she will not be defending her 800m world title in Doha at the end of September due to the rule changing. The IAAF said the change was introduced because female athletes, such as Semenya, with differences of sexual development (DSD) have a "competitive advantage".

Athletes with DSD competing in track events from 400m to the mile must either take testosterone-reducing medication or change to another distance. Semenya is still fighting the ruling through the courts. There is currently no such ruling in the football league.

Speaking of her new venture, Semenya said: "I am grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team. I am looking forward to this new journey and hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the club."

Janine van Wyk, who owns the all-women club spoke of her delight at having the running star join: "I am extremely elated to have such an iconic athlete join my football club.

"I am absolutely honoured that out of all the other women's clubs around the world, she's chosen JVW as the club where she would like to start showcasing her football skills."

The South African runner started training this week and van Wyk said: "I welcomed her at her first training with the team on Tuesday and was impressed to see that she definitely has all the fundamentals.

"I look forward to her working with coach Ciara and our first team where I am sure she will sharpen up and get ready to play in 2020."

Semenya is no stranger to football having played at school. It remains to be seen whether the controversy she has experienced on the athletics track follows her onto the pitch.