Winter Olympics curling cheating scandal: Double-touch accusations, video drama & rule changes shake Milan-Cortina 2026
Canada’s Ben Hebert, Brett Gallant and Marc Kennedy compete during a men’s curling round-robin match against Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Feb. 14, 2026. Image Credit: AP Photo/David J. Phillip.
The Winter Olympics curling competition has been thrown into turmoil after explosive cheating allegations, heated on-ice confrontations and a global debate over video technology in the sport. What began as a dispute between Canada and Sweden has spiralled into a full-blown controversy involving multiple teams, rule clarifications and emergency officiating changes at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
At the centre of the storm is an alleged “double touch”, a violation in which a player makes illegal contact with the curling stone after releasing it. In a sport built on trust and self-regulation, accusations of cheating have struck at curling’s core values.
Canada vs Sweden: The Incident That Sparked the Curling Cheating Row
The drama began during a men’s round-robin clash between Canada and Sweden at the Cortina Curling Stadium. Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of repeatedly double-touching his stones during delivery in Canada’s 8-6 victory.
According to the rules set by World Curling, players must release the stone using only the handle and cannot touch the granite portion during forward motion. Any illegal contact after release constitutes a double touch and can result in the stone being removed from play.
Despite the heated exchange, which included expletives from Kennedy, both teams signed off on the result. In curling, decisions made during a game are final, and video replay is not typically used to re-umpire outcomes.
However, the controversy escalated when video footage surfaced on social media appearing to show Kennedy touching the stone after release. Sweden denied any misconduct in filming, stating the footage came from a public broadcaster.
Canada, meanwhile, suggested the situation may have been premeditated.
What Is Double Touching in Curling, And Why Does It Matter?
Curling involves sliding 19-kilogram granite stones down an ice sheet toward a circular target known as the “house.” Players guide the stone’s path by sweeping the ice, while the delivery must comply with strict technical rules.
A double touch occurs when:
- A player touches the granite part of the stone during forward motion.
- A player makes contact with the stone after it has crossed the hog line.
The World Curling rulebook clearly states that “the curling stone must be delivered using the handle of the stone,” and touching the granite during forward motion is prohibited.
Because curling is traditionally self-officiated, integrity is paramount. Allegations of cheating threaten the sport’s reputation and its culture of mutual respect.
Multiple Teams Drawn Into Olympic Curling Controversy
The scandal did not stop with Canada’s men’s team.
Canadian women’s skip Rachel Homan was later accused of the same infraction during a match against Switzerland. An umpire intervened and removed her stone. Video footage again circulated online.
Shortly after, Britain’s Bobby Lammie was ruled to have double-touched during a round-robin game against Germany.
In some cases, officials described the infractions as accidental, a lingering finger brushing the stone rather than deliberate manipulation. Still, scrutiny intensified.
With accusations spreading across teams from Canada and Great Britain, the integrity of Olympic curling became a central talking point of the Games.
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World Curling Changes Officiating Protocol Mid-Tournament
Facing mounting pressure, World Curling initially deployed two umpires to actively monitor deliveries across all sheets of play.
But that move sparked further complaints from teams, who argued enforcement appeared inconsistent.
In response, the governing body revised its approach. Officials would now monitor stone deliveries only at the request of competing teams, and for a minimum of three ends.
The rapid protocol changes highlighted the complexity of balancing tradition with modern oversight.
Calls for VAR and Hawk-Eye in Curling Grow Louder
The controversy has triggered debate about whether curling should adopt video review systems similar to VAR in football or Hawk-Eye in tennis.
Team GB’s Hammy McMillan suggested each team could be given limited challenges to request video review for suspected violations.
Supporters argue video technology would eliminate ambiguity and protect players from unfair accusations. Critics counter that over-reliance on replay could erode curling’s self-governing ethos.
With Milan-Cortina 2026 still underway, the question remains: is Olympic curling ready to modernise?
Why This Scandal Matters Beyond the Ice
Canada is widely regarded as curling’s powerhouse nation, and accusations directed at its athletes carry significant weight. Relations between Canada and Sweden, long fierce but respectful rivals, now appear strained.
For casual viewers, the controversy has injected unexpected drama into the Winter Olympics. For the curling community, it represents a defining moment.
As medal rounds approach, all eyes are on the ice, not just for athletic brilliance, but for flawless compliance with the rules.
FAQ
What is the Winter Olympics curling cheating controversy?
The controversy centres on allegations of “double touching” during stone delivery, with players from Canada and Great Britain accused of illegal contact with the curling stone.
What is double touching in curling?
Double touching occurs when a player makes illegal contact with the granite part of the stone during forward motion or after it crosses the hog line.
Is double touching allowed in Olympic curling?
No. The World Curling rulebook states that stones must be delivered using only the handle, and touching the granite during forward motion results in the stone being removed from play.
Which teams are involved in the curling cheating allegations?
Canada’s men’s and women’s teams and Britain’s men’s team have all faced accusations during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Was video replay used to overturn results?
No. Curling traditionally does not use video replay to re-umpire decisions made during a game. Results stand once signed off by teams.
Has World Curling changed its rules?
World Curling adjusted its officiating protocol mid-tournament, allowing teams to request monitoring of stone deliveries for at least three ends.
Will curling introduce VAR or Hawk-Eye?
There is growing debate about introducing video review technology, but no official decision has been announced.
Why is this scandal significant?
Curling prides itself on sportsmanship and self-regulation. Allegations of cheating challenge the sport’s integrity and have sparked global debate during the Winter Olympics.