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World Curling has addressed the allegations of cheating that rocked Friday night’s round-robin match between Canada and Sweden, concluding that “no violations were recorded” during the referees’ observations that followed the allegations.
Tensions flared when Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of double touching the stone. Videos shared online appeared to show Kennedy touching the rock with an extended finger after he let go of the handle.
Sweden’s Rasmus Wranaa (L) reacts next to Canada’s Ben Hebert during the curling round between Canada and Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 13, 2026. (Tiziana FABI/AFP)
The two opponents exchanged words as Eriksson said: “Maybe it’s okay to touch the rock after the hog line, I don’t know.”
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Kennedy then shot back, “Who does that? I haven’t done it once, you can f— off.”
The two continued to exchange words, but it was Kennedy who used profanity to express his displeasure with the charges.
“Come on Oskar, just f— off.”
World Curling released a statement Saturday addressing the controversy — both the allegations and Kennedy’s sportsmanship.
Canada’s Brad Jacobs and Marc Kennedy in action during the men’s curling round-robin session against Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy on February 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
“Game umpires are positioned at the end of each sheet and cannot physically see all delivery infractions. However, when delivery problems are brought to their attention, match umpires are positioned to observe the delivery at three ends. During this period of observation in the Friday night match, no infractions were recorded,” the statement began, noting that video replay is not used during matches and an umpire’s call is final.
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The sports governing body also addressed two rules issues, including “double touching” and touching the granite. According to the rules, players can retouch the handle multiple times, but “touching the handle after the pig line is not allowed and will result in the stone being removed from play.”
Additionally, if the granite is touched at all during “forward movement”, the stone will be removed from the game.
As a result of the allegations, World Curling said two officials will be positioned to observe all deliveries beginning with Saturday’s matches.
Canada’s Ben Hebert, Canada’s Brad Jacobs and Canada’s Brett Gallant compete in the men’s curling round robin between Canada and Sweden during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 13, 2026. (Tiziana FABI/AFP)
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Canada was also issued a verbal warning by World Curling for Kennedy’s language during the game.
“During this meeting, it was made clear to these officials that further misconduct, as determined by Rule R.19, would result in further sanctions,” the statement read. According to the rule, Kennedy can be suspended if he commits another violation.
