Protests against the government and bans on athletes said to use dope could jeopardize Turkey's bid to become the host city for the 2020 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee would be voting on the next venue for the prestigious sporting event on September 7.

In June, protests were lodged against the government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan from those who were against plans to redevelop the Gezi Park in Istanbul for the event. Police used a water cannon and teargas to contain the unrest which injured thousands and killed four people.

Ahmet Macit, a school teacher, remained optimistic. He told Reuters, "The Gezi protests were definitely negative and the foreign media exaggerated them. But I think they could do it. The prime minister has stood firmly behind the project. The economy is going well, they're building new stadiums, a third airport."

Another potential blow against Turkey's bid to host the games would be the doping cases against its athletes. The Turkish Athletics Federation had banned thirty-two athletes for using drugs. 

A nationwide project has been undertaken to fuel sports interest in the country. Reuters reported that under construction and development are 24 stadiums, 179 sports centres, 42 swimming pools and 15 athletics facilities.