2016 in review: Controversies in sports

In 2016 FIFA had their hands full with high-ranking officials confirmed being part of fraudulent dealings, racketeering, and money laundering. It was hoped by many that the election on February 26 of Gianni Infantino to replace the beleaguered Sepp Blatter as FIFA's president would bring an end to an era of widespread corruption. (Getty Images)

The BCCI and the Lodha Committee saga went on throughout the year. Anurag Thakur took over the reins in BCCI, after the resignation of Shashank Manohar, and he straightaway attracted controversy. (TOI Photo)

A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) probe, conducted by lawyer Richard McLaren, said doping in Russia took place at an "unprecedented scale". He said over 1000 Russian athletes competing in the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games between 2011 and 2015 had been involved in, or benefited from, manipulations to conceal positive doping tests. (Getty Images)

The lead up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio was as bad as it could get. With stadiums not finishing in time, protests by the locals and safety issues with incidents Australian Paralympic team being robbed, New Zealand athlete reportedly kidnapped and robbed by police, Human body parts washed up on shore near one of the beach volleyball sites, Rio had a big task in its hand to pull off the event. Add to that the threat of Zika virus, that led to the dropping out of high profile names like Jason Day and Rory McIlroy. (Getty Images)

After a bitter battle over the representation at Rio Olympics in the wrestling 74 kg category between Olympian Sushil Kumar and Narsingh Yadav, Narsingh was tested positive for steroid methandienone - a banned substance. He then went on to allege that he was victim of sabotage and that his food/supplement or urine had been tampered with. But CAS (Court of Arbitration in Sports) set aside the decision of the Indian anti-doping body, and slapped a four-year ban on Narsingh. (TOI Photo)

South African Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius was sent to prison for six years for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, the latest twist in a trial that gripped the world. (Getty Images)

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle sparked a sexism row after making lewd comments to a female sports journalist during an interview. (Getty Images)

Lionel Messi was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined 2 million euros ($2.2 million) after being found guilty of three counts of tax fraud in July, although he did not serve time. (AP Photo)

In men's doubles, India's highest-ranked player Rohan Bopanna wanted to be paired with Saket Myneni, but Paes claimed he was the best doubles player. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) gave Paes the green signal but following the decision, Bopanna and Paes didn't see eye to eye. With no practice they started their Olympic campaign, only to lose in the first round. Moreover, Paes decided to play World Team Tennis during that time and landed in Rio just a day before the competition began. (TOI Photo)

After the Bombay High Court ordered the shifting of 13 IPL matches out of drought-hit Maharashtra, BCCI moved its the venue for IPL 2016 final and offered four alternate home options to the state's affected franchises. (TOI Photo)

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was charged with ball tampering during the second Test agains Australia in Hobart played in November. (AP Photo)

The Brazilian authorities charged US swimming star Ryan Lochte with making a false statement about being robbed at gunpoint during the Olympics. (Getty Images)