The World Championship, involved in a scandal of 25 million dollars! » The artist went to court
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Thursday, 04 June 2026, 10:34 / Updated on Thursday, 04 June 2026 10:34
Preparations for the World Championship have generated a scandal of proportions in the USA. American artist Wyland has sued local tournament organizers after part of his famous mural was covered up to make way for a new installation dedicated to the competition.
The artist is seeking $25 million in damages, claiming that his work was altered without his consent.
A symbol of the city of Dallas, covered before the World Cup
The mural, known as Whaling Wall 82, covered approximately 1,580 square feet on the facade of a building in downtown Dallas and was considered one of the most famous works of public art in the area.
For nearly three decades, the image of life-size whales has become a landmark of the city and a symbol of environmental and ocean protection messages.
The Whaling Wall 82 mural // PHOTO: Instagram
According to the complaint filed in federal court, Wyland claims he was not informed of and did not consent to the interference with his work. The local organizers of the World Cup, the owner of the building and the company that manages the property are named in the lawsuit.
The artist alleges violation of federal law
In documents submitted to the court, the artist states that the modification of the mural has irreversibly destroyed a work of major cultural and artistic value.
The artist claims that the provisions of the Law of the Rights of Visual Artists were violated, a regulatory act that protects works of art with significant cultural value, including when they are on private property, notes record.com.mx.
@fifa @fifaworldcup FIFA has just destroyed one of my most beautiful and iconic murals that my team and I made for the people of Dallas to raise awareness about protecting the oceans. Please make them hear your message!
– wrote the artist on social networks
American artist Wyland // PHOTO: Instagram
Dallas, key city in the World Cup
The case sparked strong reactions among Dallas residents. Several citizens have launched an online petition to protect public artwork and save the mural, with the initiative already gathering thousands of signatures.
On the other hand, FIFA representatives said that they had no direct involvement in the decision to modify the mural and specified that the situation is up to the local authorities and the organizing committee in Texas.
The company that manages the building said it had received the request to make the space available for a new art installation inspired by the 2026 World Cup and claims it was informed the artist had been notified in advance. Wyland, however, disputes this version.
Dallas will be one of the main hosts of the World Cup in 2026. Nine games of the tournament are scheduled at AT&T Stadium, the arena with more than 80,000 seats in Arlington.
