Artist Sues FIFA for $25M After World Cup Project Erases Most of His Mural
Summary
Artist Wyland is suing FIFA and others for $25 million after most of his large whale mural in Dallas was painted over to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Wyland says this removal broke a federal law that protects artists' rights to their public artwork and was done without his permission or notice.Key Facts
- Wyland created the mural called Whaling Wall 82 in downtown Dallas in 1999.
- Most of the mural was painted over in May to make space for new World Cup-related artwork.
- Dallas is hosting more World Cup matches than any other U.S. city.
- FIFA denies involvement, saying local groups handled the mural changes.
- Wyland filed the lawsuit under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA), a 1990 law that protects artists from destruction or alteration of their work without consent.
- The law covers artwork that is widely recognized as important culturally or historically.
- Wyland claims the mural is a Dallas landmark and part of the city's culture.
- The building’s management says they were told Wyland was notified, but the artist says he never heard from them.
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