UEFA honour for Morten and Anders Boesen

F.C. Copenhagen's chief physician Morten Boesen and his bother Anders have been honoured by UEFA for their efforts when attending to and reviving Christian Eriksen during EURO 2020.

Morten was one of the medical staff first at the scene in Parken Stadium during Denmark's group game with Finland this summer. He and his brother are part of the team who have received the UEFA President's Award 2021 for their actions.

Denmark's captain Simon Kjær is another recipient of the award for immediately helping Eriksen and for the unique leadership qualities he showed during and after the incident.

Boesen: It's all about saving lives
"The circumstances were of course unique, but that is not something to think about in that situation. It is only about saving lives," says Morten.

"It was especially unique because, fortunately, this sort of thing rarely happens to a young and well-trained player like Christian, and also because of the context and the great attention (on the game)."

The UEFA President's Award has been presented every year since 1998 and recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities in those who receive it. At the presentation, UEFA president Alexander Čeferin said, among other things, that the award serves as an important and eternal reminder of how valuable life is.

A recognition of all staffs
Morten had the honour of receiving the award and giving a speech at the UEFA assembly in Istanbul, but it was important for him to emphasise that he was receiving it on behalf of the whole team.

"We are proud of this recognition and also that there has been a lot of focus on the staff who play a role behind the players. We are very happy about that, and in that way the award is also a recognition of all other staff members who support athletes," says Morten.

"We and especially Christian would of course have liked to have done without the episode in Parken, but now that it has happened it is also nice to witness the increased focus on knowledge about heart issues and how much people talk about it. I am convinced that it will save many more lives, and that is for me the most important thing in all this."

About FCK's club doctors
Morten has been F.C. Copenhagen's chief physician for many years and is also a specialist at the private hospital Adeas Parken. When he doesn't have the opportunity to take on the tasks at the club, they are handled by his brothers, Anders Boesen and Lars Boesen.

Morten is also the national team's chief physician, while Anders was part of the so-called "on-site medical team" in Parken during EURO 2020 and had the duty of "pitch-side emergency doctor".