MAM
Punjab FC onboards DafaNews as principal sponsor for their upcoming ISL season
Mumbai: Punjab FC, the only representation from North India in India’s top-flight football league, the Indian Super League (ISL) announced the onboarding of DafaNews, the leading sports news platform as the ‘Principal Sponsor’ for their upcoming season. Punjab FC, playing their second season of the ISL after becoming the first-ever I-League club to be promoted to ISL, will begin their campaign against Kerala Blasters on 15 September at Kochi.
Speaking on the Partnership, DafaNews Tavares Joao Coimbra said, “We are delighted to partner with Punjab FC for the upcoming ISL season. We have been associated with ISL clubs over the seasons and the partnership with Punjab FC is another step towards maintaining our presence in the best football league in the country. Punjab FC is a young club that has made brilliant strides in Indian Football over the years, and we are proud to partner with them for the season.”
DafaNews offers the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves sports lovers with up-to-date matches, scores, schedules, and stories from the most prestigious leagues and events in the country, such as the Indian Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Indian Super League, and many more.
Speaking on the partnership, Roundglass Sports lead sports marketing Tarandeep Sekhon said, “We are delighted to onboard DafaNews as our principal sponsor for the season. In just our second season plying trade in the ISL, partnering with a brand like DafaNews showcases the popularity Punjab FC has gained among Indian football fans. A successful run at the Durand Cup further makes us confident that this partnership will yield great results for us in the season ahead.”
Punjab FC started their 2024-25 season with a quarterfinal appearance in Asia’s oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup. In the group stages, the team beat Mumbai City FC and CISF Protectors XI and drew with Kerala Blasters to qualify for the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, they suffered a narrow defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the penalty shootout after the match ended 3-3 in regulation time.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
