Thanou was thrown out of the 2004 Olympics

Olympics chief Jacques Rogge emphasised athletes had to be "clean" in order for them to receive an upgrade.

Greek Thanou was banned for two years after failing to appear for a drugs test at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"Potential upgrades will be scrutinised - we have to be sure they are clean," said IOC president Rogge.

Jones caused a sensation in October when she handed back the medals she won in Sydney after admitting taking steroids to a New York court.

The American, who was the first woman ever to claim five medals at a single Olympics, won gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x400m relay in Sydney.

She also won bronze medals in the long jump and 4x100m relay.

Jamaica's Tanya Lawrence took the bronze medal in the 100m in Sydney behind Jones and Thanou.

Lawrence's compatriot Merlene Ottey was fourth in the race and is now in line for a medal.

Pauline Davis-Thompson is set to swap her silver medal for a gold having finished second to Jones in the 200m.

Susanthika Jayasinghe of Sri Lanka and Jamaican Beverly McDonald finished third and fourth respectively.

Meanwhile, Rogge added that the IOC would wait on recommendations from the world athletics body (IAAF) before deciding whether to strip Jones' relay team-mates of their gold medals.

Decisions on upgrades are set to be made in December.