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The fierce rivalry between Canada and Sweden in the world of curling has flared once more, ignited by accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct that date back to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Following a contentious match that saw Canadian skip Brad Jacobs’ team edge out Sweden’s Niklas Edin, the aftermath continues to unfold, now fuelled by a recent video where Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson revisits the incident, claiming foul play.
Background to the Controversy
The tension began during a round robin match on February 13, where Jacobs’ Canadian squad faced off against Edin’s team. The match was marked by Eriksson accusing Canadian vice Marc Kennedy of “double-touching” a stone—a practice where a player unintentionally makes contact with the rock after releasing it, potentially altering its trajectory. The accusation led to a heated exchange, with Kennedy expressing his frustration audibly as tensions rose.
“Respect for Oskar Eriksson, but I would never accuse him of cheating,” Kennedy remarked post-match, defending his actions and expressing disappointment in Eriksson’s allegations. The incident quickly gained notoriety, with social media users creating memes and edits that would go on to capture the imagination of curling fans around the globe, sparking what has been dubbed “fingergate.”
Understanding the Rules of Double-Touching
In curling, the integrity of the game relies heavily on players adhering to a strict set of rules. One such rule states that players must fully release the rock before crossing the nearest hog line. Any touching of the stone between the hog lines necessitates its removal from play. However, it’s important to note that a “double-touch” prior to the hog line is not deemed a violation under the World Curling Federation’s regulations. The governing body’s investigation post-Olympics revealed no breaches had been recorded, affirming Kennedy’s position.
Despite the controversy, Team Jacobs secured a victory against Sweden, winning 8-6. They later went on to clinch the gold medal against Great Britain, while Sweden’s performance dipped, finishing last in their group with a disappointing record of 2-7.
The Feud Rekindled
Fast forward to March 27, and Eriksson reignited the debate with a segment aired by Sveriges Television, demonstrating how a player could manipulate the stone’s path with just a slight touch, suggesting that Kennedy had indeed violated the rules during their Olympic encounter. “Evil unfortunately wins sometimes,” Eriksson asserted in the video, lamenting the lack of sportsmanship displayed by the Canadian team.
Canadian skip Jacobs, visibly irked by Eriksson’s remarks, expressed his disbelief that the issue was still being discussed. “It’s just ridiculous that this is still ongoing,” he stated, reaffirming his stance against Eriksson and his team. Meanwhile, Canadian lead Ben Hebert chimed in on social media, suggesting Eriksson’s frustrations stemmed from their poor Olympic placing.
Reactions from the Canadian Curling Community
The curling community has been split in its response, with the Canadian team members remaining relatively quiet on the video from Eriksson. Both Jacobs and Kennedy have yet to provide extensive comments, preferring to let their on-ice achievements speak for themselves. The simmering tensions, however, are palpable, as the rivalry between these two curling powerhouses shows no signs of cooling down.
Have Canada and Sweden Met Again?
Since their Olympic clash, the two teams have not faced each other in competition. Team Jacobs missed out on the World Men’s Curling Championship after falling to Team Matt Dunstone in the semi-finals of the 2026 Brier. In contrast, Team Edin found success at the world stage, overcoming their Canadian rivals 9-6 to claim the championship.
Why it Matters
This ongoing saga is more than just a series of accusations; it underscores the passion and intensity that defines curling at the highest levels. The rivalry between Canada and Sweden not only captivates fans but also highlights the fine line between competitive spirit and sportsmanship. As both teams prepare for future encounters, the fallout from “fingergate” serves as a reminder of the scrutiny athletes face and the importance of maintaining integrity in sports. The world will be watching closely as this narrative unfolds, making it a pivotal moment in the world of curling.
