List of Olympic Games scandals and controversies

Olympic Games
Main topics
Bids Boycotts Ceremonies Charter Host cities IFs IOC Medal Medal tables Medalists NOCs Olympism Pierre de Coubertin medal Scandals and controversies Sports Symbols Television Torch relays Venues Women participation
Games
Summer Winter Youth Esports African Asian European Pacific Pan-American Ancient Intercalated
v t e

The Olympic Games is a major international multi-sport event. During its history, both the Summer and Winter Games have been a subject of scandals and controversies, including the use of performance enhancing drugs.

Some countries have boycotted the Games on various occasions, either as a protest against the International Olympic Committee or to protest racial discrimination in or the contemporary politics of other participants. After both World Wars, the defeated countries were not invited. Other controversies include doping programs, decisions by referees and gestures made by athletes.