In July of 2008, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Iraq from competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.BBC Sport: Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics (July 24, 2008) The decision was overturned ias part of a last-minute deal between the Olympic Committee and the Iraqi government, which will allow a two-athlete team from the nation to compete in the Games.

In June 2008, the IOC had suspended Iraq's national Olympic committee for what it called "political interference."International Herald Tribune: IOC suspends Iraq Olympic Committee Over... (June 4, 2008)

In May 2008, the Iraqi government disbanded the Iraqi Olympic Committee, replacing the committee with its own appointees. Iraq claimed the committee was corrupt. In June 2008, the IOC suspended Iraq from participating in the 2008 Summer Olympic games, claiming "political interference." The IOC said at the time it would try to find a solution to the situation, but in a letter dated July 23, 2008, the IOC confirmed the ban.AFP: Iraq Olympics Ban Confirmed (July 24, 2008)BBC Sport: Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics (July 24, 2008)

On July 26, 2008, Iraqi delegates went to Switzerland in an effort to begin talks on allowing athletes of Iraq to participate in the Olympics. According to reports, the Iraqis have offered "productive signals" that may have the International Olympic Committee allow two athletes out of the seven to compete.FOX News: Iraq Fights Back on Olympic Decision (July 26, 2008)