The three-month ban is a "reprimand" after a controversial photograph, published by British tabloid the News of the World last Sunday, showed the 14- times Olympic gold medal winner allegedly smoking from a marijuana pipe.

The national governing body also stressed that the ban was not for a doping violation in relation to the sport rather it was hoped the ban would send a "strong message" to Phelps about his "role model" and "hero" status.

In a statement the governing body said: "USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its code of Cconduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective from February 5.
  
"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero."

The suspension is largely symbolic as it is unlikely that Phelps would have competed in the next three months as he has only just returned to training after a post-Olympic break. 
  
USA Swimming said: "Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."

Phelps's financial support has also been cut off for the same three-month period.
  
Earlier, as reported on insidethegames Phelps, who broke Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record when he won eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing last year, was reportedly contemplating skipping the 2012 Games in London in the wake of the scandal.
   
Phelps, who has apologised for the incident, said he would discuss his Olympic future with his family and coach Bob Bowman.