Artist Robert Wyland Sues FIFA Over Mural Cover-Up

Renowned American artist Robert Wyland has initiated legal action against FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee for the 2026 World Cup, alleging that they covered his iconic whale mural in downtown Dallas without his consent. The mural, completed in 1999, spans 17,000 square feet and has been a landmark in the city for two decades.

Wyland claims that the mural's covering, which occurred hastily and without prior notice, violates the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, which protects the moral rights of artists. He expressed his frustration over the lack of communication regarding the mural's fate, leading to a petition on Change.org that garnered over ten thousand signatures in a few days.

FIFA has stated that they were not directly involved in the decision to cover the mural, referring inquiries to the Local Organizing Committee, which emphasized that the artwork embodies the spirit of the World Cup and will incorporate elements from the original mural.