US artist sues FIFA over destruction of Dallas whale mural for World Cup
US artist Robert Wyland has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA for the destruction of his mural in Dallas, which was painted over to promote the World Cup. The mural, known as Whaling Wall 82, had been a civic landmark for nearly three decades before its removal. Wyland claims that the actions of FIFA and local organizers violated federal law protecting visual artists from the destruction of their work.
- ▪Robert Wyland is seeking at least $25 million in damages for the destruction of his mural.
- ▪The mural covered approximately 1,580 square meters and was painted without Wyland's consent.
- ▪FIFA and local organizers are accused of hastily destroying a historic fixture to promote the World Cup.
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News|FootballUS artist sues FIFA over destruction of Dallas whale mural for World CupWyland’s mural stood for nearly three decades before workers began painting over it last month to promote the World Cup.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoRobert Wyland is seeking at least $25m in damages. Here he poses in front of a mural of the Norwegian Bliss hull in Seattle [Suzi Pratt/Getty Images via AFP]By APPublished On 3 Jun 20263 Jun 2026A United States artist who painted a mural on a building in downtown Dallas of life-sized swimming whales has filed a $25m lawsuit against FIFA and other defendants, saying they illegally painted over his work to promote the city’s World Cup 2026…
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