FAI to open book of condolences for George Best

The Football Association of Ireland is due to open a book of condolences today for former Northern Ireland and Manchester United legend George Best.

The 59-year-old died in hospital last week after several weeks battling a severe infection linked to the kidney transplant he underwent a number of years ago.

The FAI's book of condolences will be opened at the association's headquarters in Dublin at 1pm today.

Best’s body is due to be flown to the North on Wednesday ahead of his funeral in Stormont on Saturday.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain has allowed the funeral to take place at parliament buildings following a request from the former footballer’s family.

Thousands of people are expected to line the route as the soccer legend’s remains are taken from his family home to Stormont.

Best will then be buried alongside his mother in Belfast’s Roselawn Cemetery.