[Video] The controversial screen that costs French U18 team gold against Spain

The French U18 men’s team thought they had secured the European title. Leading for over 26 minutes and up by 8 points with 36 seconds remaining, they collapsed in the final moments against Spain (81-79). While several French mistakes precipitated this cruel ending, one final play is causing debate: a controversial screen by Spanish player #17 Chiek Diallo on Tom Audry, not called by the referees. This contact, on the decisive inbound play, has sparked intense discussion on social media, particularly among referees breaking their silence.

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August 3, 2025

Tom Compayrot

A controversial screen

As Spain attempted their final baseline possession, Chiek Diallo set a screen on Tom Audry to free Guillermo Del Pino. The Spanish guard, well-positioned, scored the winning basket on the catch. But the screen placement raises questions: Diallo appears to move toward the defender at contact, which could constitute an offensive foul.

On social media, replays of the sequence have been circulating since Sunday night. Several referees and former referees have commented, some judging the screen as clearly moving and therefore illegal. « There’s contact with movement toward the defender, it’s called 9 times out of 10 in regular games, » notes one high-level referee speaking anonymously. Others point out that, foul or not, the French team should have secured the game much earlier.

French regrets, but also mistakes

Beyond this controversial final sequence, France had their destiny in their hands. Leading 79-71 with 36 seconds left, Elise Prodhomme’s players lost their composure, between turnovers, rushed fouls, and passive defense. Particularly on this last play: « No pressure on the ball… No switch… and unnecessary trailing in this case. The screen is more than questionable… But there were things to do before. It’s a great run by this team, it’s just unfortunate to end like this, » analyzed coach Jean-Denys Choulet on our Facebook page. Jonas Boulefaa, excellent throughout the Euro and this final, could have prevented Del Pino’s receiving shot.

With this tragic end to the game, France must settle for silver, despite a very strong campaign. But this final contested screen will remain long in memory.

Watch the controversial play

📹 What do you think of the screen set by Chiek Diallo (#17) on the decisive play of the U18 EuroBasket final?

Thanks to this screen, Guillermo Del Pino hit the game-winning 3-pointer for Spain against France (82-81).

🤔 Was it a foul or not? pic.twitter.com/g8hYjDwIts

— BeBasket (@Be_BasketFr) August 3, 2025