Canada’s curling war of words with Sweden escalates after warning over ‘F-bomb’

Guardian Sport

by Sean Ingle in Livigno

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Canada’s curling team has found itself at the center of a heated controversy following their 8-6 victory over Sweden at the Winter Olympics. The Swedish team accused the Canadians of rule violations during the game, but Canadian curler Kennedy denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that Sweden was intentionally trying to catch them in the act. World Curling Federation officials confirmed that no formal punishment was handed down to Canada, though they did issue a warning about their use of abusive language. To ensure fair play moving forward, emergency spot checks were introduced to monitor teams for cheating during stone releases. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by athletes in high-stakes Olympic competitions. While curling is often seen as a sport that relies on both skill and sportsmanship, this case raises questions about how such allegations are handled and whether additional measures are necessary to maintain integrity. The introduction of spot checks reflects an increased focus on ensuring fair play, even if no immediate action was taken against Canada. This controversy also underscores the importance of maintaining good sportsmanship in international competitions. While it’s not uncommon for rival teams to clash during matches, accusations of cheating can damage the reputation of both athletes and the sport itself. The fact that Sweden chose to bring forward these allegations adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive event. For readers interested in sports, this story serves as a reminder of the thin line between competition and misconduct. It also shows how governing bodies like the World Curling Federation are stepping up their efforts to address such issues. Whether or not Canada was in the wrong remains unclear, but the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the rules of curling and how they are enforced. Ultimately, this case will likely be remembered as one of the more notable moments in recent curling history, blending drama with debates over sportsmanship and fair play. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, incidents like these could shape

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026