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Shwetha Surendran
Multiple Authors
An artist has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA, claiming that the federation and its affiliates unlawfully covered an iconic mural in downtown Dallas prior to the World Cup without his permission.
Wyland, known for his environmental artwork, took legal action in a Texas federal court after crews obscured his eight-story mural with blue paint last month.
The lawsuit indicates that by May 18, much of the mural had already been painted over.
The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee stated in a May announcement that the mural was set to be replaced with new artwork intended to “celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026.”
The committee has not commented to ESPN regarding the lawsuit.
Wyland has sued both FIFA and the companies that oversee the building where the mural was located.
The lawsuit emphasizes that “Dallas and Wyland deserved better,” describing the destruction of the mural as a personal tragedy for both the artist and the local community.
Created in 1999 as part of a 100-piece series to raise awareness about ocean pollution, Wyland’s mural, titled “Ocean Life” or Whaling Wall 82, illustrated a vibrant marine scene. The lawsuit claims it served as a “civic landmark” in the city.
Wyland’s legal team argues that the removal of the artwork infringes on federal laws designed to protect artists’ recognized works from being destroyed unless the artist provides written consent. According to the lawsuit, Wyland did not grant such permission.
The mural’s destruction last month led to widespread outrage from the artist, local residents, and notable figures, including Texas native Kacey Musgraves.
Musgraves expressed her discontent on Instagram, stating, “We suck the soul out of everything,” in response to the mural’s removal.
On May 15, as workers painted over the mural, Wyland expressed his dismay on Instagram, declaring that FIFA had erased one of his “most beautiful iconic murals.” He subsequently issued a cease and desist letter.
An online petition demanding FIFA fund a new mural in downtown Dallas has garnered over 2,600 signatures.
Dallas is scheduled to host nine matches, including the semifinal—the highest number for any host city. The first game at the Dallas stadium will feature the Netherlands against Japan on June 14.
ESPN has reached out to FIFA for a statement regarding the situation.