Artist Takes Legal Action Against FIFA for Dallas Mural's Removal

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Robert Wyland, the artist who painted the mural.

AP News - FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, and Slate Asset Management, the building's management company.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - Wyland filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and other defendants.

AP News - The mural covered roughly 17,000 square feet (1,580 square meters) across two walls.

Al Jazeera - Wyland's lawsuit claims that FIFA and others "hastily and irrevocably destroyed a civic landmark."

AP News - An online petition protesting the mural's destruction has received more than 2,600 signatures.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - The mural was located in downtown Dallas.

AP News - Matches are set to be played at AT&T Stadium in suburban Arlington, Texas.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - The mural was painted over last month.

AP News - Wyland's mural, titled "Whaling Wall 82," was finished in 1999.

AP News - A section of the mural was painted over on May 18, 2026.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Wyland claims the mural was painted over without his consent, violating a 1990 federal law protecting visual artists.

AP News - The area’s World Cup organizing committee stated that new artwork is planned to reflect the energy and spirit surrounding the World Cup 2026.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - Wyland's lawsuit alleges violations of the Visual Artists Rights Act.

AP News - Slate Asset Management stated that local World Cup organizers asked them in March to donate the mural space for a new public art installation.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 16:32 UTC)

Artist Robert Wyland has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and Slate Asset Management, claiming they "hastily and irrevocably destroyed a civic landmark" when they painted over his mural, "Whaling Wall 82," which covered about 17,000 square feet in downtown Dallas. The mural was painted over on May 18, 2026, without Wyland's consent, which he argues violates a 1990 federal law protecting visual artists. In response, local World Cup organizers have indicated plans for new artwork to capture the energy and spirit of the upcoming World Cup 2026.