Canada's Olympic curling team is under intense scrutiny at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games after repeated allegations of "double-touching" sparked heated exchanges on the ice and online. What began as a complaint from Sweden during a round-robin match has quickly grown into a wider controversy, drawing statements from World Curling and renewed questions about whether any rules were actually broken. So, is Canada really cheating - or is this simply Olympic rivalry at its peak?
Here's what has been confirmed so far.
Allegations Surface During Canada-Sweden Match
The controversy began during Canada's 8-6 round-robin victory over Sweden in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson accused Canada's Marc Kennedy of "double-touching" - a potential rules violation that occurs when a player touches the stone again after initially releasing it.
The accusation led to a heated moment on the ice, with Kennedy visibly frustrated and denying the claim during a broadcast exchange. According to multiple reports, Kennedy later received a verbal warning for inappropriate language, but no formal cheating charge was issued.
World Curling confirmed that officials monitored Canada's deliveries for three ends after Sweden raised concerns. During that observation period, no violations were recorded.
What Is "Double-Touching" in Curling?
Under World Curling rules, players must release the stone before the hog line. While touching the handle multiple times before release is permitted, certain actions are not allowed:
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Touching the handle after crossing the hog line results in the stone being removed.
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Touching the granite of the stone during forward motion is prohibited.
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If confirmed, the stone is taken out of play.
Game umpires are positioned at each end of the sheet but cannot observe every delivery in real time. When concerns are raised, they closely monitor for multiple ends.
In Friday's match against Sweden, officials stated that no hog line violations or illegal retouches were identified during the monitored period.
Switzerland Raises Additional Concerns
The issue did not end there. During Canada's 9-5 loss to Switzerland on Saturday, Swiss curler Pablo Lachat-Couchepin was reportedly heard telling his coach that he believed a Canadian player had double-touched a delivery.
According to reporting from the Toronto Star, Lachat-Couchepin said, "I don't want to focus too much on it, but he double-touched, and the referee saw it." It remains unclear whether a formal complaint was filed during the match. No official violation was announced.
Women's Competition Also Impacted
The controversy extended into the women's competition later Saturday when Canada's Rachel Homan had a stone removed after officials ruled she had touched it again following release.
Homan protested the decision. However, under Olympic curling rules, there is no official replay system in place, meaning the umpire's decision is final. Video footage later circulated online appearing to show her finger grazing the stone.
World Curling's Official Response
As scrutiny intensified, World Curling released a statement clarifying officiating procedures.
"Game umpires are situated at the end of each sheet and physically cannot see every delivery infraction," the organization said. "However, when they are made aware of delivery issues, game umpires are positioned to observe the delivery for three ends. During this period of observation in the Friday evening game, there were no violations recorded."
World Curling also confirmed that beginning Saturday, two officials would be positioned to observe all deliveries more closely.
As of publication, no official ruling has determined that Canada violated delivery rules.
Marc Kennedy Responds
Marc Kennedy strongly denied the allegations, stating he has never intentionally attempted to gain an unfair advantage.
"I've never even known that to be a concern before," Kennedy said in remarks reported by the Associated Press. He also rejected the idea that he deliberately cheated, saying he has never taken to the ice "with the intention of getting an advantage through cheating."
Kennedy later apologized for his language during the heated exchange, acknowledging that he could have handled the situation differently.
"I know I'm a role model for Canadian curlers," he told CBC. "If I apologize at all, it's to the young curlers around the country that would've expected more from me in that moment."
He also suggested that heightened scrutiny may have been strategically raised by competitors amid medal contention.
So, Is Canada Cheating?
At this stage, there is no official finding that Canada's Olympic curling team committed a rules violation during the monitored matches. While allegations of double-touching have been raised by rival teams and footage has circulated online, governing officials have not issued penalties or formal charges.
The controversy has introduced unusual tension into a sport traditionally known for its emphasis on sportsmanship and respect. With Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland all viewed as strong medal contenders, the spotlight remains firmly on delivery mechanics and rule enforcement.
For now, the tournament continues under increased observation - and without an official determination of wrongdoing.
