Plans to erect a permanent memorial to George Best in the grounds of Belfast City Hall were tonight unanimously approved by councillors.
A proposal to recognise the contribution the football legend made to sport in Northern Ireland had already been backed.
But, with the tribute expected to cost £100,000, the scheme had to be endorsed by Belfast City Council.
No comments were made about the motion during the authority's monthly meeting and it was therefore passed without opposition.
Best, who was named European Footballer of the Year in his prime, is expected to be immortalised in a statue or a sculpture.
The surge in affection for the soccer icon, particularly in his home city of Belfast, has shown no sign of relenting since his funeral a month ago.
A thousand people a day are still believed to be visiting Best's grave in the Castlereagh Hills overlooking the streets where he was raised.
The ex-Manchester United great was buried in a plot beside his beloved mother Ann.
In an attempt to protect Roselawn Cemetery from any damage, as fans continue to make their pilgrimages, efforts have been stepped up to find a lasting tribute to the star.
