List of Olympic Games scandals and controversies

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Olympic Games
Main topics
Bids Boycotts Ceremonies Charter Doping 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
Regional games
Asian African European Pacific Pan-American
Defunct games
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 the subject of scandals and controversies.

Cheating, such as the use of performance enhancing drugs by athletes, has regularly impacted the Olympic Games. 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. Some countries have also been banned from the Olympics, such as the defeated countries after both World Wars or South Africa under apartheid. Other controversies have included decisions by referees and gestures by athletes.