Why an American muralist is suing FIFA for $25 million over a whale painting covered during the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup ball has been running around from one headline to another ever since last year. With United States as the primary co-host of the event along with Canada and Mexico, it has been embroiled in controversy, much like the host country.

With the football event set to begin from June 11 to July 19, news about it is on a roll. From interviews to advertisements, every possible promotional tool is being used for one of sport's most awaited events. However, it seems one of the PR moves by the federation might have caused it more harm than honour.

Wyland, a muralist is suing FIFA for a whopping $25 million after his whale painting in downtown Dallas was painted over ahead of the World Cup. The 'Ocean Life' painting was partially covered with blue paint in May to make space for a piece commemorating the nine World Cup matches coming to Arlington, Texas.

Now, the artist has accused FIFA and the owners of the two buildings where the painting resides of damages, citing the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, which gives artists the right to claim authorship of their publicly displayed work. He has claimed that the building's owners, Slate and 3PZ Property Company, allowed the painting to be "intentionally painted over and permanently destroyed," without seeking the artist's consent.

Wyland had even sent FIFA and the companies a cease-and-desist letter in May to stop painting over his work, as per the New York Times, but the parties went forward anyway.

About 'Ocean Life'

Wyland is an environmentalist who incorporates social issues into his work. He hand-painted 'Ocean Life' in 1999 as a part of the Whaling Wall mural series which included whale-focused pieces in dozens of landlocked cities around the world.

Originally, it covered two sides of the building it is on, encompassing about 17,000 square feet. Now, recent photos show that the mural's largest section, spanning the complete rear façade of one building is entirely covered by blue paint. Only a single humpback whale remains visible, which FIFA said will be left to "recognise the cultural and historical significance" of Wyland's piece.

However, as per Wyland's lawsuit, the defendants destroyed a civic landmark. “In their zeal to capitalise on the international attention on Dallas during the FIFA World Cup, Defendants hastily and irrevocably destroyed a civic landmark,” the lawsuit said. “Though FIFA claims they were working to develop art for the host city, in truth, they defaced an historic fixture of the host city.”

Now, the muralist is requesting a jury trial and that the defendants cover any legal fees as part of a potential resolution. In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA said it had no involvements in this whatsoever and referred all inquiries to the host city committee, North Texas FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.