Tensions in the world of curling have flared once more as a dispute stemming from the 2026 Winter Olympics continues to capture attention. The rivalry between Canada and Sweden, ignited during a heated round-robin match in Cortina d’Ampezzo, has resurfaced after Swedish player Oskar Eriksson released a video suggesting that Canadian curler Marc Kennedy improperly influenced the trajectory of a stone. This ongoing saga has sparked debate and divided opinions within the curling community and beyond.
The Origins of the Controversy
The drama began on February 13, 2026, during the men’s curling round robin when Canada’s Brad Jacobs faced off against Sweden’s Niklas Edin. Eriksson, the vice-skip for Team Edin, alleged that Kennedy had double-touched a rock, a situation where a player inadvertently contacts the stone after its release, potentially altering its path. The accusation led to a heated exchange, with Kennedy visibly frustrated and caught on camera expressing his discontent towards Eriksson.
“I have a ton of respect for Oskar Eriksson. He’s one of the best players to ever play, and I just told him that I would never do that to you. I would never accuse you of cheating,” Kennedy stated post-match, defending his actions. He pointed out that a hog line official had monitored the game for six ends without calling any infractions, adding to the controversy surrounding Eriksson’s claims.
The match concluded with Canada claiming an 8-6 victory, and Jacobs’ squad ultimately went on to secure Olympic gold, while Sweden finished the tournament at the bottom of the standings with a disappointing record of 2-7.
Understanding the Rules of Double-Touching
In curling, players must release the stone completely before they cross the closest hog line. Should a rock be touched by a player or their broom between the hog lines, it must be removed from play. The World Curling Federation clarifies that a double touch before the hog line is not considered a violation. Following the incident, the governing body found no infractions during their observation of the players’ deliveries.
Kennedy later expressed regret for his outburst but maintained that he had no reason to apologise for being accused of wrongdoing. The sport prides itself on integrity, with players responsible for calling out infractions rather than relying on officials to intervene unless cheating is suspected.
The Viral Impact of the Incident
Dubbed “Fingergate” by fans and commentators alike, the controversy quickly gained traction on social media. Memes and videos proliferated, showcasing the incident in various creative contexts, further fuelling discussion around the accusations. The incident turned Kennedy into an unlikely internet sensation, with the curling community rallying around the event’s humorous aspects while also engaging in serious discourse about sportsmanship.
The Resurgence of the Feud
Fast forward to March 27, 2026, and Eriksson reignited the debate with a segment aired by Sveriges Television, where he demonstrated how a player could influence the path of a stone through minimal contact. In the video, he reiterated his belief that Kennedy had committed two infractions during their Olympic encounter, referring to them as acts of ‘evil’.
“Evil unfortunately wins sometimes… I wish they had just chosen to play the same way that all the other teams try to do,” Eriksson remarked, stirring further controversy and prompting swift reactions from Canadian curlers.
Jacobs expressed his dismay at the continued focus on the incident, describing it as “ridiculous”. He voiced his frustration with Eriksson’s video, stating, “I know that it’s not something I’m too happy about right now.” Meanwhile, Ben Hebert, a member of Team Jacobs, took to social media to defend his teammate, implying that Eriksson’s fixation on the incident was a sign of bitterness following Sweden’s poor performance.
The Future of Canada-Sweden Rivalry
Since the Olympic Games, Team Jacobs and Team Edin have yet to meet in competition, leaving the tension hanging in the air. Jacobs’ squad did not qualify for the World Men’s Curling Championship after a semi-final loss at the Brier, while Edin’s team went on to win the championship, defeating the Canadians 9-6 in the final.
As the rivalry continues to simmer beneath the surface, the question remains whether the two teams will cross paths again on the ice, and how this incident will shape their future encounters.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dispute between Canada and Sweden in curling is more than just a series of unfortunate events; it reflects the passion and intense rivalries that characterise the sport. It also serves as a reminder of the fine line between competitive spirit and sportsmanship. As curling continues to grow in popularity globally, the way disputes are handled and discussed will likely influence the sport’s culture, shaping the experiences of players and fans alike. The events surrounding “Fingergate” could well be a pivotal moment in how curling is perceived, both on and off the ice.