Canada’s Curling Team Denies Cheating Allegations, Accuses Sweden of Filming Violations at Winter Olympics
MILAN, Italy — A fierce dispute has erupted between Canada and Sweden’s curling teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, with both sides leveling accusations of cheating and rule violations. The controversy began after Sweden accused Canada of illegally double-touching stones during a match, a claim that Canada’s team vehemently denies. In response, Canadian curler Marc Kennedy accused the Swedish team of attempting to film his stone delivery in violation of Olympic rules.
“They have come up with a plan here at the Olympics, as far as I know, to catch teams in the act at the hog line,” Kennedy said during a post-match press conference, according to the National Post. He described how Swedish coaches and players were seen rushing to officials in an effort to report alleged infractions, suggesting a coordinated attempt to catch Canadian players breaking the rules.
The hog line is a critical boundary in curling that players must respect when delivering stones, and accusations of violations can lead to penalties or disqualification. The Canadian team insists they have followed all regulations and that the Swedish accusations are unfounded and damaging to the spirit of the Games.
Sweden’s curling squad, led by skip Rasmus Wranaa, has maintained their stance that Canada’s actions warranted scrutiny, intensifying the rivalry that has long existed between these curling powerhouses. The incident has drawn attention from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees fair play and compliance with Olympic standards. The IOC’s official website highlights the importance of integrity and sportsmanship in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the World Curling Federation (WCF), the sport’s governing body, is expected to review footage and reports from the match to determine if any rules were breached. The WCF’s regulations, available on their official site, strictly prohibit unauthorized filming or surveillance that could provide unfair advantages.
Olympic officials have remained tight-lipped but confirmed that they are investigating the allegations from both sides. The use of video technology and surveillance at the Games is governed by strict protocols to ensure fairness. The USA Curling Association also emphasizes adherence to these standards to preserve the integrity of the sport.
This clash adds to a series of controversies at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where several sports have faced scrutiny over judging and rule enforcement. As curling fans and officials await the outcome of the investigation, the spotlight remains on maintaining the Olympic values of respect and fair competition.
Canada and Sweden are expected to face off again in the curling tournament, with both teams eager to move past the accusations and focus on their performance on the ice. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for how curling matches are monitored and officiated in future international competitions.
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