FIFA faces a $25 million lawsuit ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The atmosphere surrounding preparations for the biggest football event on the planet in Dallas, Texas, has unexpectedly sparked controversy and legal trouble. The reason is that a giant whale mural in the city center was painted over to make way for an artwork promoting the 2026 World Cup.

Artist Wyland, the creator of the painting, has filed a lawsuit against the International Football Federation (FIFA) and several related parties in federal court in Dallas. He is seeking at least $25 million in damages.

A portion of the giant whale mural “Whaling Wall 82” remains visible on the building in downtown Dallas, while the area to the right has been covered in paint for the 2026 World Cup promotional campaign.

At the heart of the case is the artwork “Whaling Wall 82,” completed in 1999. The painting spans two walls of a building, covering a total area of approximately 1,580 m².

The artwork depicts life-sized whales swimming in the ocean, conveying a message about marine conservation. After nearly three decades, the painting has become a familiar part of the Dallas urban landscape.

Therefore, the fact that workers began painting over the artwork in May immediately provoked a strong reaction in the local community. An online petition opposing the removal of the painting has garnered over 2,600 signatures.

According to the lawsuit, artist Wyland disagreed with the removal of his artwork and was not given prior notice. The artist claims that those involved "hastily and permanently destroyed an icon of the city" to promote the 2026 World Cup.

The plaintiff cites the Visual Artists' Rights Act (VARA), passed by the U.S. Congress in 1990. This act protects recognized works of art from the threat of modification or destruction, even if the artist no longer owns the exhibition space.

The local World Cup 2026 organizing committee announced that a new artwork will be created on the wall to reflect the “energy, unity, and global spirit” of the world's biggest football event. A portion of the original whale painting is expected to be retained.

A mural by artist Wyland was partially covered with paint in Dallas on May 18.

To date, FIFA denies responsibility. Representatives of the world's most powerful football governing body assert that the organization is "completely uninvolved" and suggest that questions be directed to the local organizing committee.

Slate Asset Management, the company that manages the building, said the local World Cup organizers had offered to cede the wall space for a new public artwork. The company also confirmed they were informed that artist Wyland was aware of the plan.

The issue attracted even more attention because the Dallas area is scheduled to host the most matches at the 2026 World Cup. A total of nine matches are planned to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a suburb of Dallas, the home stadium of the popular Dallas Cowboys football team.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/fifa-doi-mat-vu-kien-25-trieu-usd-truc-world-cup-2026-post780289.html