UEFA states there was “no delay” in treating Hungary’s Barnabas Vargas after he sustained a head injury on Sunday.
The striker was hospitalized with a fractured cheekbone following his team’s 1-0 victory over Scotland at Euro 2024.
The match was paused for nearly seven minutes in the second half as the 29-year-old received extensive treatment after a mid-air collision with Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai was seen in tears on the pitch and criticized the medical staff’s response time after the match.
Uefa said: “The intervention of the team doctor happened within 15 seconds of the incident, followed immediately by the second stadium doctor, to conduct a first assessment of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, as per customary medical procedures.
“The qualified pitch-side emergency team were waiting pitch-side, according to their protocol, and arrived with the stretcher as soon as their intervention was requested by the medics to evacuate the player for his immediate transfer to hospital.
“The coordination between all the medical staff on site was professional and everything was done in accordance with the applicable medical procedures. There was no delay in the treatment of and assistance to the player.”
Szoboszlai helped bring a stretcher on to the pitch before sheets were held up around Varga as he received treatment.
“I don’t understand this kind of protocol, why the medical staff don’t rush in at this time?” said Szoboszlai after the game.
“This question remains for everyone, so I hope that everyone can save a few seconds and save a life.
“I hope we will never have to experience this again. Something needs to be done.”
Varga, who scored during his side’s opening 3-1 defeat by Switzerland, is set to have an operation on the fractured cheekbone and will miss the rest of the tournament.