The new trophy is an updated version of the original model used from the tournaments inception in 1991 and has been given a more brilliant finish that "evokes the values of transparency and renewal of the new CONCACAF", according to officials.

CONCACAF has had its name dragged through the dirt in recent times due to the corruption allegations against former President Jack Warner and former general secretary Chuck Blazer, but the federation hopes the new trophy can mirror a new beginning.

"We are extremely proud of the manner in which these subtle design changes to the Gold Cup have helped us to highlight important characteristics of the competition as well as the region as a whole," said Enrique Sanz de Santamaría, general secretary of CONCACAF.

"On one hand, the history of the Gold Cup is referenced through the inscribing of the names of past champions on the base, while on the other hand we are reminded of the spirit of transformation and development of all the member associations of our confederation, which every two years strive to raise this trophy."

The new Gold Cup trophy was unveiled in Mexico City and has been designed to symbolise a clean slate for CONCACAF

The trophy was unveiled in Mexico City at a press conference organised by tournament sponsors Banco Santander, which also sponsors various other tournaments in the Americas such as the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Recopa and Copa America.

Head coach of current Gold Cup holders Mexico, José Manuel de la Torre, spoke of how he hoped he would be getting his hands on the new trophy in July after leading his side to a successful defence.

"The responsibility that we have as the coaching staff of the Mexican national team is to administer our players in the coming months to achieve the goals we've proposed for this year, which include qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a good showing at the Confederations Cup, and of course to claim once again the Gold Cup trophy," he said.

"I want to reiterate that our priority is to be the best team in CONCACAF, and confirm as much in each tournament in which we participate.

"That commitment brings with it the responsibility to represent Mexico and all of CONCACAF in the same way at the international level, always."

The new trophy was unveiled by (left to right) José Manuel de la Torre, director of Santander Mexico Marcos Martinez, Enrique Sanz de Santamaría and Mexican Football Federation President Justino Compeán

The new trophy is 26 inches high, weighs 20 pounds and features the inscription "Forty Countries. One Confederation. One Goal".

The trophy is contested between 12 teams - the three from North America, who qualify directly, along with the top five teams from the Copa Centroamericana and the top four teams from the Caribbean Cup.

The competition has been held in the US every two years since its inception in 1991, although games have taken place in Mexico on two occasions

This year's version of the biennial tournament kicks off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 7 where Canada will take on Martinique in Group A.