Photo: Hans Peters for Anefo · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Born in United Kingdom · Nationality British — Sport / sports governance

George Best

Documented profile covering 6 controversies, including “Resumption of drinking after liver transplant: Public controversy over transplant ethics” and “Further drink-driving conviction: Twenty-month driving ban”.

Are you concerned? Right of reply

Profile No. 2305 · Updated on 12 October 2026

6Documented controversies

11Sources

2 followed by a conviction

§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology

I. Documented controversies

2002–2004

Resumption of drinking after liver transplant: Public controversy over transplant ethics

No legal proceedings

Following a liver transplant in 2002 and a period of abstinence required before the procedure, Best resumed drinking. The relapse sparked major public controversy over organ allocation.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 3

[1]
The GuardianBest 'remorseful' as pub scuffle revives soccer star's notorietyPressHigh reliability
[2]
The GuardianWhy didn't George Best's Antabuse implants stop him drinking?PressHigh reliability
[3]
The GuardianDrop in donors blamed on 'Best effect'PressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

January–February 2004

Further drink-driving conviction: Twenty-month driving ban

Conviction

In January 2004, Best was arrested while driving with a blood-alcohol level approximately two and a half times the legal limit.

State of the evidence: Established by a court
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 1

[1]
The GuardianBest gets driving ban and finePressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

July 2003

Altercation with photographer in pub: Arrest followed by release without charges

No legal proceedings

Best was arrested following an altercation with a photographer in a pub, at a time when his return to drinking was receiving extensive media coverage.

Attribution: Accused

Sources · 1

[1]
The IndependentGeorge Best arrested in pub after photo disputePressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

1990

1990 television interview: Appears intoxicated and swears, interview cut short

No legal proceedings

Best appeared intoxicated on Terry Wogan's television programme and used crude language, provoking an outcry and causing the segment to be cut short.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 2

[1]
The GuardianGeorge Best factfilePressHigh reliability
[2]
The Irish TimesDrink was only opponent Best could not beatPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

1984

1984: Imprisonment for drink-driving, assaulting police officer and failing to appear

Conviction

Best was convicted of drink-driving, assaulting a police officer and failing to appear in court.

State of the evidence: Established by a court
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 2

[1]
The Irish TimesGeorge Best charged with drink-drivingPressHigh reliability
[2]
The IndependentThere is no hiding place behind bars for the footballers relegated to serving timePressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

1971–1974

Manchester United: Repeated absences, suspensions, transfer listing and premature end to club career

No legal proceedings

In the early 1970s, George Best repeatedly missed training and was involved in disciplinary incidents. Manchester United sanctioned him several times before placing him on the transfer list in December 1972; his relationship with the club deteriorated irreversibly, and he played his final match in early 1974.

Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 2

[1]
The GuardianFrom the archive, 6 December 1972: George Best must go - Manchester UnitedPressHigh reliability
[2]
The Guardian obituaryGeorge BestPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

II. Constellation of documented links

No documented link with another published profile for now.

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

III. Has something changed?

A new court decision, a missing source, a mistake? Tell us what should be updated: every request is read by the editorial team.

Support the archive

Controversia checks and updates its profiles independently. Support is optional and has no effect on the content of profiles.

Donate