Artist sues over mural painted over for World Cup matches in Dallas
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Artist Wyland has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA, the building owner, and others for illegally painting over his nearly 30-year-old, life-sized whale mural in downtown Dallas to promote the 2026 World Cup.
- The mural, titled “Whaling Wall 82,” covered approximately 17,000 square feet and was created to promote ocean conservation; Wyland claims the mural was destroyed without his consent, violating the 1990 Visual Artists Rights Act.
- FIFA denies involvement in the mural's removal, while the local World Cup organizing committee and building management say new artwork will replace it and that Wyland was notified, though the committee declined to comment on the lawsuit.
- The mural’s destruction sparked public outcry, including an online petition with over 2,600 signatures urging protection for public art in Dallas.
- The Visual Artists Rights Act has been previously upheld in court to protect street art, and Wyland’s lawsuit argues his mural qualifies as artwork of “recognized stature” deserving similar protection.