Clint Dempsey scored twice to give the United States a 2-1 victory over Honduras ©Getty Images

Defending champions the United States opened their defence of the Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Honduras in the opening match of the tournament at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

But the match was overshadowed by the news that the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have ended their representation agreement with Traffic Sports USA.

The marketing agency had owned exclusive rights for the Gold Cup and had sold all of the current sponsorships for the event.

The cancellation of the Traffic partnership will not affect the current Gold Cup or any on-going sponsorship agreements as all existing contracts are to be assigned to CONCACAF, who are planning to service existing partners through its in-house sales and marketing team

Traffic are the Brazilian-owned sports marketing agency that was at the centre of the US Department of Justice allegations of bribery to obtain key representation contracts.

Traffic Sports USA had negotiated deals for this year's Gold Cup but have now had their deal terminated by CONCACAF after they were accused by the United States Department of Justice of bribery to gain key contracts
Traffic Sports USA had negotiated deals for this year's Gold Cup but have now had their deal terminated by CONCACAF after they were accused by the United States Department of Justice of bribery to gain key contracts ©Getty Images

Traffic's Brazilian principal, Jose Hawilla, has pleaded guilty to US charges and has already agreed to pay a fine of $150 million (£98 million/€135 million).

Traffic Sports USA was funded by its Brazilian parent and had reneweed exclusive marketing rights to all CONCACAF's events in April last year.

Chief executive Aaron Davidson was arrested in Miami at the end of May but subsequently released on bail.

He denies all charges against him.

"CONCACAF and Traffic Sports USA have decided to part ways and dissolve their commercial rights agreement,"  a statement from the governing body said.

"Nonetheless, CONCACAF remains committed to organising and executing best-in-class competitions for our member associations, fans, players, coaches, and sponsors, including the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup."

Meanwhile on the field, two days after the women's team celebrated a third FIFA World Cup win, Clint Dempsey scored a header in each half and the US held off a late rally to keep the American party going.

"It wasn't our best performance but we're happy to get three points," said Dempsey.

"It was tough.

"They came out really aggressive and caused us some problems."

Honduras created the better chances early but it was Dempsey who stole the momentum with his goal in the 25th minute, heading home from a rebound off Donis Escober after the goalkeeper blocked a Jozy Altidore shot.

The US went ahead 2-0 in the 64th minute when Michael Bradley found Dempsey in the box.

Honduras responded six minutes later through Carlos Discua, who netted his first goal for Honduras.

A chance for an equaliser went begging in the 82nd minute, however, when Ventura Alvarado missed an open goal.

Duckens Nazon celebrates his late equaliser which gave Haiti a 1-1 draw against Panama
Duckens Nazon celebrates his late equaliser which gave Haiti a 1-1 draw against Panama ©Getty Images

The win gives the US control of Group A after Haiti and Panama drew 1-1 earlier in the day.

Panama, runners-up to the US in the 2013 Gold Cup, went ahead in the 55th minute after Alberto Quintero scored from just outside the penalty area.

But Duckens Nazon scored on a breakaway move in the 85th minute to give Haiti a point. 

Tomorrow's matches are due to feature Costa Rica against Jamaica and El Salvador versus Canada in Group B.

Both games will be played at StubHub Center in Carson, California. 

The Gold Cup determines the regional champions for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The tournament, which features 12 countries played in 14 venues in 14 cities across America and Canada, is due to reach its climax with the final in Philadelphia on July 26.