During a tumultuous period marked by racial tensions and struggles for independence across Africa, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a significant decision by expelling Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. The move stemmed from Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965, which sought to maintain white minority rule while denying basic rights to the black majority. The country's sports policies effectively barred non-white athletes from international competition, which directly contradicted the IOC's ethos of equality and inclusivity in sports. As a result, the IOC determined that Rhodesia's continued participation was incompatible with its principles.

The decision was made in the backdrop of a global push against apartheid and similar systems of racial oppression. Countries and organizations around the world were increasingly recognizing the importance of civil rights and the need to combat racial discrimination both in politics and in sports. The expulsion sent a strong message not only to Rhodesia but also to other nations that upheld similar discriminatory policies. By taking a firm stand, the IOC aimed to reinforce its commitment to equality and ensure that athletes of all races could compete on an equal footing in the Olympic Games.

This action by the IOC was not just about sports; it was part of a broader movement to challenge and dismantle systemic racism worldwide. The expulsion highlighted the role of sports as a platform for social change, illustrating how international sporting bodies could influence political and social issues through their policies and decisions. In the aftermath, Rhodesia faced increasing international isolation, which would later contribute to the eventual rise of majority rule and independence in Zimbabwe later in the decade.