Artist Sues FIFA Over Destruction of Dallas Whale Mural, Seeks $25 Million in Damages
The artist Wyland has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and other parties for painting over his mural in Dallas without consent. The mural, depicting life-sized whales, was a significant public artwork that had been displayed for nearly three decades. Wyland claims the mural was destroyed to make way for new artwork promoting the upcoming World Cup matches in Dallas. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Dallas, alleges that the actions violated the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, which protects artists' rights to their publicly displayed works. FIFA has denied involvement, and the local organizing committee has not commented.