Olympic Curling Match Between Canada and Sweden Spirals Into Controversy Over Cheating Allegations
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — A fiercely contested Olympic curling match between Canada and Sweden on Friday descended into chaos as tensions flared over allegations of cheating, culminating in a profane insult exchanged between the teams. The heated confrontation unfolded during Canada’s narrow 8-6 victory in the men’s round-robin event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Canadian third Marc Kennedy was accused by Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson of committing an illegal move known as “double-touching” stones after releasing them at the hog line, a violation that can affect the stone’s trajectory and thus the game’s fairness. The accusation sparked an intense verbal exchange on the ice, with Kennedy responding sharply, “I haven’t done it once. You can f— off,” directed at Eriksson.
Eriksson fired back, promising to present video evidence after the match, claiming, “I’ll show you a video where it’s two meters over the hog line,” challenging the legitimacy of Kennedy’s play. Both teams promptly appealed to the match officials, but after review, no changes were made to the game’s outcome.
The incident drew attention to the complexities of officiating in curling, a sport where precise rules govern stone delivery and placement. The hog line rule, enforced by the USA Curling Association, requires that players release the stone before it crosses a designated line, ensuring fair play. Allegations of double-touching, which involves the player’s hand or broom contacting the stone after release, can lead to penalties or stone removal.
Despite the controversy, the Swedish team leader Fredrik Lindberg issued a statement indicating that the Swedish Olympic Committee would not pursue a formal investigation into the incident, emphasizing a desire to move forward without further dispute. The decision reflects the Olympic spirit of sportsmanship amid high-pressure competition.
The match took place at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, where Canada’s lineup—including Ben Hebert, Brad Jacobs, and Brett Gallant—demonstrated strong teamwork to secure the win. The game’s intensity and the ensuing dispute highlight the emotional stakes athletes face on the Olympic stage.
Officials from the International Olympic Committee and the World Curling Federation closely monitor such incidents to uphold the integrity of the sport. No disciplinary actions have been reported following the match.
As curling continues to gain popularity worldwide, the incident underscores the importance of clear rules enforcement and respectful conduct among competitors. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the tournament progresses, hopeful for more thrilling but sportsmanlike contests.
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