Wyland sues FIFA and Dallas organisers over $25m claim for destroyed World Cup mural
US District Court suit alleges ‘Whaling Wall 82’ was painted over without consent to make way for tournament promotions, drawing public outcry and legal scrutiny.
Robert Wyland has initiated a $25 million lawsuit in the US District Court in Dallas against FIFA, local World Cup organisers, and building management firm Slate Asset Management. The legal action centres on the alleged unlawful destruction of his 1999 mural, 'Whaling Wall 82', which spanned approximately 1,580 square metres across two walls of a downtown building. Wyland contends the work was painted over without his consent or notification to facilitate promotional art for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move he argues violates the 1990 Visual Artists Rights Act.
The mural, which stood for nearly three decades, was covered by workers last month. In his complaint, Wyland alleged that the defendants "hastily and irrevocably destroyed a civic landmark" to promote the tournament. He described the act as defacing a historic fixture of the host city, seeking damages for the loss of a work he claims holds recognised stature under federal law.
FIFA has denied any role in the incident. A federation spokesperson told the Associated Press that the organisation "has no involvement in this whatsoever" and referred inquiries to the local tournament committee. The Dallas World Cup organising committee stated that new artwork is planned to "capture this current historical moment and reflect the energy, unity, and global spirit surrounding the World Cup 2026". The committee added that a portion of Wyland’s mural would be preserved.
Slate Asset Management, which manages the building, stated that local organisers requested the donation of the wall space for a new public art installation in March. A spokesperson for the firm said Slate was not compensated for the use of the space and was informed by local groups that Wyland had been notified of the changes. The company maintains it acted on the instructions of the tournament organisers.
The destruction of the mural has triggered significant public backlash, with an online petition protesting the act and calling for the protection of public artwork in Dallas garnering more than 2,600 signatures. Dallas is a key host for the tournament, set to stage nine matches at AT&T Stadium in suburban Arlington, more than any other site in the US, Canada, and Mexico co-hosted event.
Wyland, known professionally as Wyland, completed 'Whaling Wall 82' in 1999. It is one of more than 100 similar murals he created globally to promote ocean conservation. The Visual Artists Rights Act protects artwork of recognised stature from destruction, even if the physical artwork is owned by a third party. A 2018 federal court ruling previously cited the act to order a property owner to pay New York graffiti artists for whitewashing their murals, a decision that was upheld on appeal.
