Curling Canada has issued a statement after its men’s team faced accusations of cheating during a heated Winter Olympics match against Sweden. The controversy added to an already drama-filled Games, marked by disqualifications, rule violations, and off-field scandals.

The incident occurred during the men’s curling preliminary round on February 13, when Canada defeated Sweden 8–6. Tensions rose after Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of committing a “double touch” while delivering a stone.

In curling, a player must release the stone before the hog line. A second contact is only considered a violation if it occurs on or beyond that line. Swedish players believed Kennedy briefly pushed the stone with his finger after releasing the handle.

Kennedy denied the accusation and reacted angrily during the exchange, telling his opponent to “f**k off.” The moment was caught on broadcast audio, drawing immediate attention from viewers and commentators.

Despite the dispute, play continued, and no official penalty was issued during the match. The result stood, with Canada securing the win in a tightly contested game that showcased high-level competition from both sides.

Following the incident, Curling Canada released a statement emphasizing the intensity of Olympic competition. The organization described the match as highly competitive and highlighted the passion and commitment demonstrated by both teams.

While the governing body did not directly address the profanity, it acknowledged the emotions that can arise in high-stakes international events. Officials have not indicated that further disciplinary action is planned.

The controversy has since fueled debate among fans about sportsmanship, rule interpretation, and how disputes should be handled on the ice. As the tournament continues, attention remains on both teams—not only for their performance, but for how they navigate the spotlight after a very public clash.