SAO PAULO, Brazil, June 10 -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter declared open of the 64th FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo on Tuesday evening. High-ranking officials from the world soccer governing body, its six confederations and 209 member associations attended the opening ceremony.

Both Blatter and Brazil's Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo gave speeches at the ceremony, singing highly of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The ceremony, featuring award giving and artistic shows, was highlighted by a special moment when the 80-year-old former French striker Just Fontaine received an Adidas Platinum Boot.

Having scored 13 goals from six matches in the 1958 Sweden World Cup, Fontaine led France to the third finisher and became the most prolific scorer in the World Cup history. His record has not been broken.

As the World Cup in 1958 did not set the Golden Boot award, Fontaine said tonight that he will dedicate the special award to his wife and the then French team.

During the evening, various Order of Merits were given, for Josephine King (OFC), Hassan Shehata (CAF), Mirabror Usmanov (AFC), Jozef Venglos (UEFA), Maria Coto (CONCACAF), Carlos Valderrama (CONMEBOL) and Antonio Mattarese (FIFA).

Alongside the agenda are the three enclosures sent to all 209 member associations: FIFA's annual Activity Report for 2013, FIFA's annual Financial Report for 2013 and proposals for amendments to the FIFA Statutes, Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, and Standing Orders of the Congress.

Just before the open of the Congress, the FIFA Executive Committee held its meetings in Sao Paulo, reaffirming its full support to and trust in Brazil to organise a great FIFA World Cup, which will kick off on Thursday in Sao Paulo.

The executive also submitted 10 key development principles for the women's soccer to the Congress for approval.

Regarding media allegations of unethical behaviour related to the vote for the 2022 FIFA World Cup's host country, the executive reaffirmed its position of letting the Ethics Committee complete its work before making any comment.

It also confirmed the decision of the Finance Committee to donate two million U.S. dollars to help Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania and Serbia rebuild their football infrastructures, which were damaged by the recent serious floods in the region.

It confirmed that Mexico will replace Canada to attend the Youth Olympic Women's Football Tournament in China's Nanjing 2014.

The FIFA Congress will conclude on Wednesday evening.