World shotput champion C.J. Hunter, who tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone last year, may be banned directly by the International Amateur Athletic Federation.
IAAF vice-president Arne Ljungqvist told Reutersthe federation was "very concerned" no action had been taken by the US governing body.
Doping cases are normally considered first by national federations but Hunter, the husband of triple Olympic gold medallist Marion Jones, has not been suspended by USA Track & Field and no date has been set for a hearing.
"We are very concerned because no decision has been made and no action has been taken by the American governing body," Ljungqvist said by telephone from the IAAF's headquarters in Monaco.
"It has taken a long time. In my mind a decision should have been taken already. We cannot let this go on for much longer; that is for sure. We will follow this up and we will do it ourselves."
In December, Hunter said he was "unbelievably confident" he would be cleared of charges against him.
He said he would be represented by O.J. Simpson's attorney, Johnnie Cochran.
Reuters