Host Liechtenstein withdrew their team before the tournament, as there were fears that the team would not be competitive and thus lower the level of the tournament. France took the free place as the best runner-up in the second qualifying round (elite round).
Defending champion Germany as well as last year's opponent, the Netherlands, could not qualify. Since Austria was also unable to qualify, the only representative from the German-speaking area was Switzerland .
The eight qualified teams were divided into two groups of four teams each. Within the groups, each team plays each other once. The group winners and runners-up reach the semi-finals. The semi-final winners reach the final, third place is not played out.
Attendees
The following eight teams have qualified for the tournament: