Doping tests could be affected by World Anti-Doping Agency funding shortfall

Laboratory doping tests carried out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) could be affected after it was revealed that the agency is struggling financially.

Inside the Games reports that the agency's newly-published annual finances breakdown show that there is a deficit for 2011 of around $476,000 (£303,000), down from a deficit of $643,000 the previous year.

While the reduction in the deficit can be seen as positive change, the fact that there is still a deficit will be a cause for concern with the Games coming up.

Currently, the vast majority of WADA's annual income comes from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) while a generous contribution from public authorities and governments also helping out.

It is the latter of the two that is likely to be the problem, with many governments unable to contribute as healthily in the modern financial climate.

The report states: "The cash reserves used to cover deficits are depleting.

"The result of this is that income will have to increase or activities will have to be reduced, since WADA's unallocated cash reserve will not meet deficits beyond the next 30 months."

The report reveals that research grants fell by more than $1million to around $4.9 million while testing fees dropped from $1.62 million to $1.44 million and information and communication expenses fell from $300,000 to just $179,500.

Salaries and other personnel costs were one of the main offenders, rising from $8.6 million to $9.44 million.

This rise in salary expenses can pretty much solely be put down to an increase from 57 to 63 in the number of people employed by WADA.

The average cost per employee now stands at just under $150,000 with social charges and other benefits making up more than 40 per cent of the overall personnel cost figure.

It comes after one blood doping expert recently said he feels it is "unlikely" that doped athletes will not claim medals at this summer's London 2012 Olympic Games.