Artist Robert Wyland sues FIFA for £18m over destruction of Dallas whale mural

Environmental artist Robert Wyland has filed an £18m lawsuit against FIFA after his celebrated Dallas mural, Ocean Life, was destroyed to make way for World Cup 2026 preparations in the city set to host England’s opening group game against Croatia.

Wyland painted the mural — also known as Whaling Wall 82 — in 1999 as part of a 100-piece series intended to raise awareness about ocean pollution. Depicting a vivid underwater scene teeming with marine life, it became a recognised civic landmark in Dallas over the course of 26 years. The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organising Committee announced in May that the mural was being replaced with new artwork to “celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026”.

The lawsuit, filed in Texas, names FIFA alongside the companies that own and manage the building on which the mural was painted. It argues that erasing the artwork violated a federal law protecting recognised works of public art from destruction unless the artist signs a written waiver granting permission. According to the filing, Wyland never signed such a waiver.

“Dallas and Wyland deserved better,” the lawsuit states, describing the destruction as a personal tragedy for both the artist and the local community. Wyland’s lawyer, Andrea Perez, added: “Artists bring beauty, identity, and economic value to our cities. Their rights deserve the same protection we give to any cornerstone of civic life.”

In a personal statement, Wyland said the mural’s removal had left him “deeply disheartened”. “When a piece that has carried meaning for generations can be erased without dialogue, it raises serious questions about how we value public art, artists, and the communities these works were created to serve,” he said.

The demolition of the mural has drawn widespread condemnation from Dallas residents and public figures alike, including Texas-born singer Kacey Musgraves, who wrote on Instagram: “We suck the soul out of everything.” Local resident Katy Rose Cusick described the speed of the removal as “incredibly shocking”.

FIFA distanced itself from the decision. A spokesperson said: “FIFA has no involvement in this whatsoever and refers all inquiries on this matter to the host city committee.” The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organising Committee declined to comment on the lawsuit.