BELFAST, Northern Ireland - Soccer great George Best will be buried Saturday in his native Belfast in a ceremony expected to attract more than 100,000 mourners.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star died Friday in a London hospital after decades of alcohol abuse. He was 59.

The British government granted permission for the funeral service to take place in the Grand Hall of Stormont Parliamentary Building. Crowds outside will be able to follow the ceremony relayed by loudspeakers.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was making plans for more than 100,000 mourners to converge on east Belfast.