The big VAR debrief - did it deny Bournemouth Champions League spot?

The big VAR debrief - did it deny Bournemouth Champions League spot?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Antoine Semenyo had a goal disallowed for offside by the VAR in a 0-0 draw with ChelseaByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished26 May 2026933 CommentsBournemouth in the Champions League? It was still an outside possibility as the final day of the Premier League season began.The Cherries will enter Europe for the first time next season via the Europa League as Liverpool clung on to fifth place by three points. Yet there was another way the south-coast club could have finished in the Champions League places - if there was no video assistant referee (VAR).Bournemouth could have been four points better off but for VAR - and therefore would have finished above Liverpool.BBC Sport has assessed how VAR interventions may have impacted games at key moments, and looked at how some teams have benefited from the system more than others. How key VAR interventions may have changed the tableThe number of VAR interventions only tells part of the story. What really matters is when they happen, and the state of the game.Assessing impact is subjective, but BBC Sport has identified 29 games where VAR almost certainly influenced the final result. For instance, a VAR advising a red card in the final seconds is not likely to affect a scoreline.In contrast, Manchester United's stoppage time 3-2 win against Burnley can be put down to a VAR penalty.These are the games that were affected by VAR and had the most impact on the season.The title goes down to the final dayArsenal won the title by seven points, but they gained four through VAR - in the Gunners' win at West Ham and their victory at Everton. Both could have been draws but for VAR.Take those four off, and heading into the final day of the season Arsenal and Manchester City would have been level on 78 points - with Pep Guardiola's team top on goal difference. The championship may have been decided on S...