Olympic news: World Curling finds no violations amid Canada cheating allegations
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World Curling has addressed allegations of cheating that rocked Friday night’s two-round match between Canada and Sweden, concluding that “no violations were recorded” during referees’ follow-up observations of the allegations.
Tensions flared after Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of double-tapping the stone. In the videos shared on the internet, Kennedy can be seen touching the stone with his extended finger after releasing the handle.
Sweden’s Rasmus Wranaa (left) reacts next to Canada’s Ben Hebert during the men’s curling round between Canada and Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Cortina d’Ampezzo on 13 February 2026. (Tiziana FABI / AFP)
The two rivals exchanged words when Eriksson said, “Maybe it’s okay to touch the rock after the hog-rope, I don’t know.”
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Kennedy then retorted, “Who’s doing this? I’ve never done it once, you can go away.”
The two continued to exchange words, but it was Kennedy who used profanity to express his displeasure with the accusations.
“Come on Oskar, go away.”
World Curling released a statement Saturday addressing both the accusations and the controversy over Kennedy’s sportsmanship.
Canada’s Brad Jacobs and Marc Kennedy compete against Sweden in the men’s curling tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event took place on February 13, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
“Play Umpires are located at the end of each sheet and cannot physically see every pitching violation. However, when they become aware of delivery issues, play umpires are positioned to observe pitches at three ends. No violations were recorded during this observation period in the Friday evening game.” In the statement, it was stated that video replay was not used during the games and the referee’s call was final.
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The sport’s governing body also addressed two rules concerns, including “double tapping” and touching the granite. According to the rules, players may touch the handle multiple times, but “touching the handle after the hog line is prohibited and will result in the removal of the piece from play.”
Additionally, if the granite is touched during the “forward movement”, the piece will be removed from play.
As a result of the allegations, World Curling said two officials would be assigned to monitor all deliveries from Saturday’s matches.
Canadian Ben Hebert, Canadian Brad Jacobs and Canadian Brett Gallant compete in the men’s curling tournament between Canada and Sweden during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 13, 2026. (Tiziana FABI / AFP)
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Canada was also given a verbal warning from World Curling for Kennedy’s language during the match.
“During this meeting, it was made clear to these officials that further inappropriate behavior as determined by rule R.19 would result in additional sanctions,” the statement said. The statement was included. Under the rule, Kennedy could face suspension if he commits another violation.
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